On Thursday, April 14th at 14:25 hours, Goochland County Fire-Rescue responded to Bells Road off Riddles Bridge Road for the report of a brush fire in central Goochland.

The first fire unit arrived on the scene at 14:39 hours reporting an active brush fire. At this time, it is undetermined how the brush fire started. Located in the middle of a thicket of trees, there is no threat to any structures. All six of Goochland’s Fire Rescue Companies are on scene along with two bulldozers from the Virginia Department of Forestry, and Louisa County Department of Fire/EMS and Fluvanna County Fire and Rescue are providing mutual-aid support and coverage. The Forest Warden and The Metro Richmond Flying Squad has responded and is providing fire ground rehabilitation to the personnel on the brush fire scene.

The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is estimating it to be an 18–20-acre brush fire, they have built backfires to contain it. At 17:27 the brush fire was marked as “contained” but not yet under control. Goochland’s Fire Rescue Companies and the VDOF units will remain on scene for an undetermined amount of time. One fire fighter sustained a minor injury and has been transported to a local hospital and is expected to be okay.

Goochland County Fire-Rescue continues to respond to other calls occurring during the Bells Road brush fire with career and volunteer personnel and the mutual aid support of Louisa County Department of Fire/EMS and Fluvanna County Fire and Rescue.

This brush fire serves as an important reminder to please refrain from burning during this dangerous fire season. Virginia’s 4 PM Burning Law is in effect through April 30th, open-air burning is restricted until 4 PM. For questions or more information about the 4:00 p.m. Burning Law contact the local Virginia Department of Forestry office at (540.967.3702) or Goochland County Fire-Rescue (804.556.5304).