Prince George brush fire is extinguished

A brush fire that started this afternoon in Prince George County was brought under control in about three hours.

Division Chief Brad Owens of Prince George Fire and EMS said the fire burned about 15 to 20 acres of woods in a remote swamp area off Jolly and Holdsworth roads in Disputanta.

Smoke was reported in the area around 3:30 p.m., Owens said. Three different fire companies, with about 20 firefighters, and vehicles from the Virginia Department of Forestry responded.

The blaze, which was extinguished about 6:30 p.m., did not threaten any homes or structures and there were no injuries, he said.

Owens urged people to carefully monitor any kind of outdoor burning, especially during dry weather.

"You may think the ground is wet, but with the wind blowing, it dries out very easily," Owens said.

Statewide restrictions on open burning remain in effect through April 30.

Burning is prohibited before 4 p.m. each day within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. Burning is allowed from 4 p.m. to midnight as long as fires are attended and burned with proper care and precaution. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500.