UPDATE: The Lovingston brush fire has been contained and the Department of Forestry estimates that 63 acres were burned.

This wildfire is still under investigation but does look like it was human caused. The exact cause will be determined by Wildfire Investigators. So far and I do mean so far, there is still a lot of winter to go, with out the usual amount of rain and snow conditions can quickly become conducive to the start and spread of wildfires. Citizens are asked to be extra careful when doing any outside burning. Keep your piles small, clear a 10-20 foot area around the pile or burn barrel, have water and tools close by and call 911 as soon as possible if your fire does get beyond your control. When fires are small and easier to get to they are more easily suppressed.

If you cause a wildfire to occur you will be responsible for the damages it causes and are also responsible for the suppression costs which can be very costly on a large wildfire. Also and more importantly any wildfire no matter how big or small can be deadly to those men and women responding to the incident.

check out www.firewisevirginia.org www.dof.virginia.gov for more information on preventing wildfires