Albemarle County issues burn ban, joining Greene County

Dry conditions have prompted two localities across the region to place a ban on open-air burning including Albemarle County.

“The burn ban will remain in place until 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026,” reads an information release from Albemarle’s Fire Marshal sent out on April 16.

This announcement comes after the National Weather Service issued an alert early that morning for elevated fire risks.

“The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures around 9 percent, relative humidities around 25 percent, and wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires this afternoon,” reads the alert.

The alert urges people to follow local burn bans like the one in place in Albemarle and the one Greene County put in place the morning of April 15 according to an information release.

“Current conditions create a heightened fire danger that threatens both public safety and our emergency response capabilities,” the release quotes Steve Catalano, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “This burn ban is a proactive step to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our community.”

Greene County’s ban is effective until further notice.

Albemarle County has a website with guidelines for open-air burning, but the release has this definition of what is currently prohibited.

“Open-air burning is the burning of any matter in such a manner that the products resulting from combustion are emitted directly into the atmosphere without passing through a stack, duct, or chimney,” reads the Albemarle release.

Supervisor Ann Mallek addressed the risk at the April 15 meeting of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors.

“This is the most dangerous time of the year when all the leaves from the fall are now tinder dry,” Mallek said. “All it takes is one cigarette and 50 acres can go up in an instance.

The National Weather Service forecasts elevated risk for fire through Saturday and the alert has additional advice to reduce fire risk.

“Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers,” reads the NWS alert. “Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.”

The Regional Hazard Mitigation Master Plan adopted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission states that wildfires are a “very high possibility.” Take a look at that plan here.

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