ROANOKE, Va. – The last time we had a soaking rain (half an inch to an inch in one day) was in September. That’s right - two months ago. With fallen leaves and an increasing fall breeze, we’ve tracked a number of wildfires.
The most recent one is the Matts Creek Fire on the Bedford County-Rockbridge County border.
Burn bans are in place, but at this point - it shouldn’t take a burn ban to prevent you from setting fires.
Here’s a video I posted to Twitter/X, explaining why we feel so strongly about this.
PLEASE WATCH: I'm pleading with you guys to knock it off with the burning. Support your local first responders. Support your neighbors. Wait until we get a good, soaking rain. It's not worth it. #wildfire pic.twitter.com/bgYCGD7ILX
— Chris Michaels (@WSLS_Michaels) November 15, 2023
Smoke from the Matts Creek Fire spreads into Rockbridge County both Wednesday and Thursday, adding to possible air quality concerns. This is similar to what we saw in parts of Bedford County Tuesday.
WATCH: We’re working for you with updates on the Matts Creek fire as of Wednesday, 11/15/2023.
The weather remains dry Wednesday, Thursday and most of Friday, meaning that the wildfire risk will be high during that time.
The chance for rain increases late Friday into Friday night, but rain totals won’t be impressive.
Those near the West Virginia-Virginia border will see 0.1-0.5” Rain totals decrease to trace amounts (if anything) the farther east you go.
Come Saturday, we’re forecasting especially high fire weather conditions. Strong wind gusts and dropping humidity will make us even more susceptible to wildfires.
The hope is for a more widespread, soaking rain to develop the Monday night and Tuesday before Thanksgiving.