Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
From Wintergreen Fire & Rescue :
“As many of you know, Governor Youngkin recently declared a statewide state of emergency due to extreme drought and active forest fires. Specifically, there is a multi-thousand-acre fire to our North in Madison County, as well as a large fire to our South in Patrick County.
Today, Augusta County enacted a burn ban effective at 5:00PM, meaning for 200+ parcels at Wintergreen, it is currently unlawful to ignite an outdoor recreational fire. Nelson County released today that a total burn ban is “imminent”. The bans remain in effect for 60 days, unless they are renewed and/or cancelled by the jurisdiction.
Conditions at Wintergreen are extremely dry, and there is no significant rain in our forecast. Our new WPOA Board of Directors will meet just after the annual WPOA meeting this Saturday, at which time they are expected to adopt a short-term policy prohibiting open burning anywhere within the Wintergreen Master Plan. If they don’t enact a ban, I will notify you.
What does this mean?
Even if you have a fire pit which is fully compliant with WPOA regulations, you will not be permitted to use it during the burn ban. It is the property owner’s responsibility to assure that all guests are aware of the prohibition. If fires are reported to Wintergreen Dispatch, (434-325-1106) the Fire Department will respond to immediately extinguish the fire.
Propane fire features are not included in this prohibition. Propane fires don’t emit embers, and they can simply be extinguished with the turn of a valve. We’re hopeful this ban period will incentivize owners to throw away their wood-burning pits forever and replace them with much safer propane alternatives.
Obviously extinguishing fires requires water. While we have not yet reached mandatory restriction thresholds, we’re right on the cusp and now is the time to start voluntary water conservation measures.
Other than not lighting fires, what can you do to improve fire safety during these hazardous times?
• Be very careful with your ashes from indoor fires. They can remain hot enough to ignite a fire for days. Please only dispose of ashes in the metal barrels provided at dumpster sites.
• Do not park your vehicle on top of dry leaves or grass. Your exhaust system is hot enough to ignite fires. Years ago a Wintergreen home burned to the ground due to a fire started by a car parked on leaves.
• If for some reason your car catches fire while driving, please do not pull off on the shoulder if the shoulder includes grass or leaves. Place the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, turn it off, and exit. Always remember to evacuate uphill from a car fire and avoid the smoke.
• If you see a fire, or suspect there may be fire, don’t assume someone else has already dialed 9-1-1. Call it in. Begin your call with “I’m at Wintergreen” and then give your precise location.
• If you discover a “spotfire” on the side of the road and you’re able to safely attempt extinguishment, do. Don’t wait for the Fire Department, get started. Any non-flammable liquid will do. Kicking gravel, stomping, rain dances, ….get creative! The easiest fire to extinguish is a small one. Fires can double in size every 60 seconds.
• Become a volunteer with Wintergreen Fire Department. We can provide all the training.
The annual Wintergreen Property Owners Association will begin Saturday at 9:00AM in the Skyline Pavilion. We hope you will come early to visit with Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, as well as Wintergreen Police. Your public safety team will be on hand beginning at 8:00AM to answer any questions you may have. If you have not yet cast your vote for the WPOA Board of Directors, you may bring your ballot to the meeting.
Thank you for being a part of making our community safe. I hope to see you Saturday.
Curtis
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Curtis N. Sheets, MPA
Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue”
