BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - October marks the beginning of Forest Fire Prevention Season in West Virginia due to the increased risk of wildfires spreading.

And when you factor in that we’re in a drought, and in some areas a severe drought, local fire departments are asking for community members to be mindful while burning more now than ever.

“People are going to have to be more vigilant,” said Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Andrew Frazier.

Fall Forest Fire Season runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 because the dry ground and wind gusts make fires more likely to spread.

“The concern is the dry conditions we’re having right now with the drought, the fuels on the forest floor are a lot drier now,” said Craig Elswick, a Forester in Cabell County. “We have a high potential of fire

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