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Threats & Emergencies
Wildfires
Wildfires Home • Preparing for Wildfires • Responding to Wildfires
A wildfire, or forest fire, is an uncontrolled fire that occurs where natural vegetation is the predominant ground cover. Though wildfires usually occur in less developed, rural areas, they can threaten urban environments if they are not brought under control.
Wildfires can and do occur all across Virginia, and no area is without risk. However, areas that are classified in the Wildland Urban Interface are at higher risk. The WUI is an area where developed land intermingles with or is adjacent to wildlands.
Impacts of a wildfire include direct property damage, cost of suppression and damage to personal property and natural resources. The severity of effects is directly related to the intensity and extent of the wildfire.
