Wytheville Fire & Rescue Department

05/30/2026

05/26/2026

Update !

The Board of Supervisors has voted to rescind the burn ban effective immediately. While conditions have improved, residents are urged to continue using caution and good judgment when conducting any outdoor burning.

Please burn responsibly:
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep water or tools nearby to extinguish flames
• Avoid burning during windy or dry conditions
• Follow all local safety regulations and permitted burn guidelines

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban and your continued commitment to keeping our community safe.

05/22/2026

Update !

Wythe County's ban on open burning remains in effect until drought conditions further improve, but the county is relaxing restrictions on enclosed fires. Limited contained fires in fire rings, fire pits, grills and burn barrels will be permitted effective today, May 22, with the following rules.

Large-scale fires and all unattended fires continue to be prohibited until further notice.

Fire rings, fire pits, grills, or burn barrels shall not exceed 42 inches in diameter.

Fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times while burning.

Fire must be limited to within the container.

The fire shall be completely extinguished with water before being left unattended.

A water source or fire suppression equipment shall remain readily available during the duration of the fire.

Burning shall be limited to clean, dry wood or approved fuel sources only.

Burning shall immediately cease during periods of high wind, low visibility conditions, or upon direction from emergency personnel.

This modification is in effect as of Friday, May 22, 2026, pending confirmation and ratification by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

05/12/2026

In response to elevated fire danger, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has instituted fire restrictions within a quarter mile of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail as it passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, camp fire or stove fire is prohibited.

The restrictions are effective immediately and will be in place until rescinded by the Forest Supervisor.

Commercially available fuel stoves, such as propane camp stoves, enclosed lanterns and isobutane backpacking stoves are still permitted to be used. Visitors and hikers are reminded not to leave stoves or lanterns unattended and to make sure they are fully extinguished after using.

Alert Start Date: May 11, 2026
Alert End Date: N/A

Rec Sites Affected:
Appalachian Trail
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Order Number: 08-08-14-26-02

REMINDER: Wythe County as a whole is still under a burn ban. For more information: https://www.wytheco.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/62

05/04/2026

The Wytheville Fire and Rescue Department recently participated in the Annual Public Safety Appreciation Dinner along with the Wytheville Police Department, where several members were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2025 calendar year.
Please join us in congratulating the following award recipients:
Five Years of Service
• Lieutenant David Harvey
• Captain Morgan Ayers
EMS Provider of the Year
• Firefighter/Paramedic Darren Quesenberry
Firefighter of the Year
• Firefighter/EMT Chance Cockerham
Distinguished Service Award
• Battalion Chief Matt Akers
In addition, several Firefighters and Police Officers were honored with a Unit Citation for their quick and decisive actions on the morning of August 7, 2025. Their efforts led to the quick and successful rescue of an individual trapped in a residential fire in Wytheville.
Those recognized include:
• Lieutenant Tyler Wilson
• Engineer Paul Cornett
• Firefighter/EMT Chance Cockerham
• Firefighter/EMT Keil Harris
• Firefighter/EMT Kevin Russell
• Firefighter/Paramedic Darren Quesenberry
• Firefighter/Paramedic Ashleigh Poole
• Sgt. Zachary Puckett (WPD)
• Patrol Officer Nickolas Anderson (WPD)
• Patrol Officer Brandy Holmes (WPD)
We extend our sincere congratulations to all of these individuals and thank them for their continued dedication, professionalism, and service to the community.

04/13/2026

Declaration of Local Emergency
Wythe County Burn Ban

WHEREAS, as Wythe County Director of Emergency Management, in accordance with §44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia, I have been advised by the county director of emergency services, emergency management coordinator and affiliated agencies regarding consideration of a county-wide ban on outdoor burning; and

WHEREAS, all parts of Wythe County are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, high fire fuel loads, variable wind gust conditions and elevated safety risk to life, property and first responders in the County of Wythe; and

WHEREAS, Wythe County responders have been called to multiple recent brush and grass fires resulting in property damage and threats to persons, livestock and livelihood; and

WHEREAS, adjoining and nearby counties have implemented burn bans after the National Weather Service emplaced advisories against outdoor burning, prompting a need to consider county-wide action; and

WHEREAS, Wythe County is authorized by Virginia Code§ 15.2-922.1 to regulate the making of fires on private property and public places when a declared emergency exists; and,

WHEREAS, the County under§ 44-146.21 may declare a local emergency when the governing body perceives a need to protect the health and safety of persons and property; and,

WHEREAS, also in accordance with § 44-146.21, the governing body, when in its judgment all emergency actions have been taken, shall take appropriate action to end the declared emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James D. Smith, Chair of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and by Code the Director of Emergency Management, acting upon the recommendation of fire, emergency management and law enforcement staff, find and declare that a local emergency exists due to fire hazard; and

FURTHERMORE, I do hereby declare an immediate and indefinite ban on outdoor burning, subject to confirmation by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, effective immediately on this 13th day of April, 2026, at 6 p.m., and authorize the county's public safety and law enforcement agencies to act to enforce this ban.

James D. Smith, Chair
April 13, 2026

04/13/2026

03/20/2026

We are proud to announce the promotion of Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Gallimore to the rank of Lieutenant.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Gallimore! We wish you continued success and excellence in your new role.

03/16/2026

Please stay weather aware today.

Severe weather likely today. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the mountain region under a Slight Risk, the foothills in an Enhanced Risk and the Piedmont in a Moderate Risk. Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat, tornadoes are also possible.