Firefighters from Harrowgate, Dutch Gap and Chester fire stations responded Monday, March 11, to Interstate 95 for multiple brush fires between Woods Edge Road and Route 10.
Chesterfield Fire and EMS spokesman Jason Elmore said the fires were most likely caused by a vehicle throwing sparks while driving.
There is a heightened danger for fires at this time of the year, and special burn laws go into effect.
According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, more than 60 percent of Virginia’s annual average of 1,000 wildfires occur in the spring, with March and April being the most active months. Debris burning and arson continue to be Virginia’s leading causes of wildfires.
The state burn law went into effect Feb. 15. Burning is permitted only between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight. However, if weather conditions are such that a fire is likely to escape, officials encourage people to refrain from burning, regardless of the time. Such conditions include low humidity, warm temperatures and winds over 10 miles per hour. The law remains in effect until April 30. A violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
