Twenty homes evacuated near Chesterfield brush fire

About 20 homes along a 3-mile stretch of Cattail Road in Chesterfield County are being evacuated as a precaution because of a brush fire in the 13400 block of Nash Road.

A temporary shelter was made available at Matoaca High School at 1700 Longhouse Lane. The fire department will provide residents without transportation a ride to the shelter. They can call (804) 748-1251.

Fire spokesman Matt Coffin said authorities decided to evacuate the area as a precaution because of an ongoing brush fire crews are fighting on a couple of acres in the middle of a 1,400-acre pine plantation. The Virginia Department of Forestry is assisting.

Coffin said the evacuation will remain in effect until fire officials can ensure the area is safe. It includes residents who live on Cattail Road between Reedy Branch and Rowlett roads.

"They are not in the direct line of fire so to speak, but given any chance of wind change we want to be on the safe side," Coffin said. -- Mark Bowes