Virginia Study to Examine Fire Risk of Living Near Woods

An effort is under way in the Central Shenandoah Valley to find ways to protect homes on the edge of woodlands from wildfires.

Augusta County Fire and Rescue chief Carson Holloway says the safety initiative includes a study of fire risks and actions that could be taken to reduce the danger.

Holloway tells The News Leader that more people are living near woodlands and officials want to be proactive.

Augusta fire officers, county community development staff, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, the state Department of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service and Shenandoah National Park are participating in the effort.

Holloway says a package of recommended best practices should be ready by the spring. It will be followed by an outreach effort.