February 26, 2026 -
Spring Fire Season Arrives Spring fire season is officially underway, marking the time of year when Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law is in effect. “Virginia averages around 700 wildfires each year, with the majority occurring in spring,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Already this year, DOF has responded to approximately 100 wildfires. Warmer weather, dry and windy conditions, and abundant fuels increase wildfire risk. Until fire season ends on April 30, you can... Read More
January 29, 2026 -
Terry Lasher Appointed State Forester Terry Lasher has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger as DOF’s ninth State Forester. Most recently serving as executive director with the Virginia Forestry Association, Lasher rejoins the agency where he spent more than two decades, beginning in 2001 as resource conservation and development forester in Tappahannock. From there, he went on to assume a wide range of roles with the agency including, assistant regional... Read More
December 13, 2025 -
Be Fire Safe This Holiday Season Virginia’s fall fire season wrapped on Nov. 30. Since its start on Oct. 15, DOF suppressed 152 wildfires that burned 1,733 acres and damaged two outbuildings. DOF response efforts during the fall are credited with protecting 36 homes and 39 other structures with a total value estimated to be over $10 million. Virginia’s fall fire season may be over, but please take it from... Read More
October 30, 2025 -
Fall Fire Season is Underway While leaf-peeping season is one of Virginia’s most beautiful times of year, it also brings conditions that increase the risk of wildfires. As leaves fall and accumulate on the ground, an ample fuel source for wildfires is created. And when you combine this with the dry, windy weather we typically see this time of year, the risk of wildfire grows. This year’s fall fire season arrives as much of Virginia is already in a drought, further... Read More
September 17, 2025 -
Helene left a lasting impact on Virginia’s forestry communities Additional Disaster Relief Funding Announced Thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program will distribute nearly $70 million in disaster relief to Southwest Virginia producers and timber landowners affected by Hurricane Helene. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is managing the grant program with support from DOF and Virginia Cooperative... Read More
