Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9504030095
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``[The wood] was almost at an exploding point, the heat from it was so intense. I saw trees that looked like toothpicks - like someone had dropped a cherry bomb down the middle,'' he recalled.
The March 22 fire, which burned 65 acres between Ferrum and Henry, could be a minor one compared with fires in the next few weeks if Southwest Virginia doesn't receive rain soon.
Law said Franklin County got 1.3 inches of rain in March, about 2 inches below normal. And with the added difficulty caused by plenty of dry, aged wood on the ground from last year's ice storms, Law sees the fire potential.
``We had a total of 15 fires last year [in Franklin County].'' he said. ``This year, I've already fought 20 since January 1st.''
Monday, Franklin County was the first of several counties to declare a burning ban. Henry County followed suit Wednesday, reporting 80 brush and wood fires since March 1. Bedford County's ban took effect Saturday.
The beginning of April is potentially the worst time for forest fires, said District Forester Chris Thomsen. Temperatures are warming, but the humidity remains low.
Add high winds and a forest floor covered with storm debris primed for burning, Thomsen said, ``and everything culminates into the worst potential situation.''
Forestry workers throughout this region are preparing for the hotter, possibly faster-moving fire with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Law said FEMA grants will provide Franklin County with five part-time workers to help fight fires. Other counties also have hired extra help.
Part of these workers' duties, Law said, will be to drive the Hummer - a ``beefed-up, heavy duty jeep.''
The Hummer, a civilian version of Operation Desert Storm's Hum-Vee, is equipped with a remote control nozzle and should boost firefighters' mobility and speed.
While it will be available to surrounding counties, the Hummer will be housed in Glade Hill because the ice damage in Franklin County was so excessive.
Law said a majority of forest fires are caused by residents who try to control-burn litter or leaves. A Virginia burn regulation, enforced through May 15, prohibits burning in all counties until after 4 p.m.
``People just need to use common sense.'' Law said. ``Go out in the woods, crumble leaves - if they fall apart in your hands, it's probably not a good time to burn.''
He said people not in a full burn-ban area who plan to clear debris should watch the weather report. If the temperature is above the mid-60s and humidity is below 25 percent, wait until conditions are not quite so dry.
by CNB