Drought Conditions Declared in Fairfax County

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It's been dry for the second half of our summer with barely any rain. Recently, the National Integrated Drought Information System declared nearly half the county in a moderate drought since Sept 2.

Water-Saving Tips

Protect water resources by taking voluntary measures to conserve water and reduce the demand for our region's water supply systems. Follow these simple tips for residents to limit indoor and outdoor water use.

Fire Prevention

Drought conditions can elevate fire danger in the county. Use extra caution when smoking outside, using outdoor grills or engaging in other activities that involve flammable materials.

Our Fire and Rescue Department shares guidance to prevent fires during a drought.

Cigarettes and Smoking Materials

• Don’t throw cigarettes out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite grass on the side of the road.
• Never dispose of cigarettes in potted plants, mulch, or shrubbery. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
• Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials in an ashtray, bucket, or fireproof container.
• Completely douse cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.

Fireplace Ashes

• Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
• Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
• Keep the can a safe distance from your home and ideally on a non-combustible surface.
• Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace, fire pit or wood stove.
• Ashes can stay hot for several days. Follow the above steps even when you wait several days to remove the ashes from the fireplace.

Grilling

• Before leaving the area, douse the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch.
• Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals.
• Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn.
• Never empty coals directly into a trash can.
• Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat source