The Associated Press
PATRICK SPRINGS, Va. — An out-of-control wildfire on steep, rocky terrain had destroyed at least one house and charred 4,000 acres Monday, forcing some residents to flee their homes.
The blaze on Bull Mountain near the North Carolina state line was only 15 percent to 20 percent contained and was expected to continue burning for several days, said Gregg O’Donnell, a public information officer for the Virginia Department of Forestry.
“Patrick County is incredibly dry,” he said. The area has received practically no rain this spring.
About 250 firefighters were battling the blaze, including 40 National Guardsmen.
Forestry officials said the fire, which was started by lightning on Friday, had forced the evacuation of about 40 homes.
Flames had destroyed at least one home and two garages, said Mike Hudson, Patrick County’s emergency services coordinator.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency in the county.