The turning of the leaves means more than autumn in Virginia. It also means the start of fire season.
Fall fire season commences on Saturday in Virginia, ushering in the time of year when a small fire can grow to a large one because of dry leaves that fuel flames.
Through the first week in October, Virginia recorded 796 wild fires that scorched nearly 12,000 acres of privately owned land.
The Virginia Department of Forestry says residents should use extra care with outside fires.
Fall fire season runs from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
