I say rare because last I checked, Virginia was on the East Coast. “Red Flag Warning” is not something you hear in Virginia or any other part of the East Coast for that matter. (although this might be commonplace and just not come across my radar working in an urban fire department!)

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for certain parts of Virginia.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

…in short…all that is lacking is a spark for a HUGE fire.

During this time, there have been many significant fires in Virginia and several in Maryland as well. Interstate 64 and 95 have both been closed on occasion today for the fires. Fires have been burning from Roanoke to Norfolk…

This update is brought to you directly from the Halligan Bar & Grill in Downtown Richmond where I am currently enjoying dinner.

Here are more links to the coverage:

• UPDATE: Fires burn across area; I-64 in New Kent closed
• Wildfires burn around Prince William County, close I-95
• Brush fire threatens home, but crews contain it
• Two alarm fire in west end
• Area Fire Crews Battling Several Fires
• Firefighters Battling Brush Fires All Over Central Virginia
• Brush fires keep area firefighters busy
• One firefighter injured while in Newport News brush fire

Charlottesville was not let off either. They had a lot of fire activity.

Read below from Charlottesville Fire Chief Charles Werner (included are photos he has sent out from friends.)
A very busy day continues with many brush fires and several larger forest fires. Most in County.

ECC is receiving multiple 911 calls about smoke in areas. Most is from drifting smoke from several large wildfires. Not dispatching units unless flames are visible.

Currently a heavy drain on all fire resources. City now operating 4 units assisting the County and has called personnel back to duty to overstaff.

The busy nature of this fire day is having a multi-state impact with similar fire activity.

One pic from a distance to show the magnitude of smoke drifting south and east from fire in the County.

Reminder, to see the daily activity (close to real time) here are the websites for the City and County Fire Departments:

City – http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/cfids/fids.php (username – fids, password – cfdcfd)

County – http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/fids/fids.php