21 Mar 2024 | 02:07 AM UTC
US: Wildfires reported in Northern Virginia as of late March 20. Red flag warnings in place.
Wildfires reported in Northern Virginia late March 20; authorities issue red flag warnings.
Crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning in Northern Virginia as of late March 20. High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts. Louisa, Madison, and Albemarle counties have declared a state of emergency.
Authorities have issued the following evacuation orders:
West Old Mountain Road, Shannon Hill Road, Yanceyville Road, Tupalo Ridge, and Twin Oaks in Louisa County. Emergency shelters are in place at the metal gym behind Louisa County Middle School in Mineral.
Taylors Gap Road and side roads between Dick Woods Road and Blandimar Road in Albemarle County.
Indian Run Lane and Coal Mine Road in Shenandoah County. Emergency shelters are in place at Signal Knob Middle School and Strasburg Christian Church in Strasburg.
Massanutten Forest, Shenandoah Forest Subdivisions of Egypt Bend, and Serenity Ridge in Page County. Emergency shelters are in place at Luray High School.
Reports indicate that over 13,000 people in Shenandoah County were without power March 20; some electricity has since been restored. Transport services, including US 17 and Route 1 and 640, are disrupted. Fredericksburg Line trains were halted due to fire department activity south of Quantico station, resulting in significant delays. Train services have since resumed; residual delays due to track congestion are possible.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued red flag warnings - indicating present or forecast critical fire weather conditions caused by a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and/or warm temperatures - for much of Virginia, parts of Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia, and all of Washington, DC. Officials may extend, expand, or rescind the warnings on short notice.
Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Further power outages are possible if fires damage electricity infrastructure.
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
