CHARLESTON, W.Va – This week’s rain is a welcome sight in the West Virginia Division of Forestry offices, as concerns began to develop with many areas of the state experiencing drought conditions recently.

While the state’s statutory fire season does not begin until October 1, state forester Jeremy Jones is relieved to see some precipitation this week.

“We were starting to, obviously, be concerned. Things were drying out. We were getting back a little bit towards the similar conditions we had late last summer, but traditionally, we don’t start to get really worried until after the leaves come down,” he said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, fire danger levels in the majority of the state dropped to low, with none of the 55 counties rated above moderate danger. Jones said the rain will go a long

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