Nearly half of Fairfax County has been classified as experiencing moderate drought conditions since September 2, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The area has seen little rainfall during the latter part of the summer.
Local authorities are urging residents to voluntarily conserve water and help protect regional water resources. They recommend limiting both indoor and outdoor water use.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department has issued specific guidance on fire prevention during the drought. Residents are advised not to discard cigarettes from vehicles or into dry soil, mulch, or shrubbery, as these can easily ignite. Cigarettes should be fully extinguished in an ashtray or fireproof container before disposal.
For those using fireplaces, ashes should only be placed in a non-combustible metal container with a lid, cooled with water, and stored outside away from combustible materials and structures. Ashes can remain hot for several days, so safety precautions should be followed even after waiting to remove them.
Grilling safety tips include dousing fires with water before leaving the area and disposing of coals in a dedicated metal container kept outdoors and away from flammable items. Charcoal starter fluid should be stored out of children’s reach and away from heat sources.
Authorities emphasize that these steps can reduce fire risk as drought conditions persist in Fairfax County.
