Bristol, VA declares Local State of Emergency for extreme fire hazard

The City of Bristol, VA has declared a Local State of Emergency due to the extreme fire hazard caused by dry weather and windy conditions. The declaration of a local emergency means that all outdoor fires in the city are prohibited during the “State of Local Emergency”. This includes fires that are normally allowed such as camp fires and cooking fires. Citizens should refrain from starting any outdoor fires as weather conditions have not improved enough to lift the ban. This week fire departments around the Tri Cities have responded to multiple unattended fires that have spread to surrounding areas.