Brush fire may burn for weeks

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Suffolk fire crews continue to battle a woodland fire in the 7100 block of Gates Road near the North Carolina border in the southwestern part of the city.

According to a city spokesperson, firefighters battled the blaze for approximately five hours Wednesday night, ultimately bringing it under control.

The fire, however, flared up again Thursday morning.

At last check, spokesperson Debbie George said the fire had burned approximately 50 acres. The fire may continue to burn for weeks, George said. However, fire crews have established a fire break around the fire to prevent it from spreading.

Officials say the fire is contained, and no structures are threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A haze and the smell of smoke is being experienced in the southern end of the city, according to George.

A summer burn ban is in effect in the city. From now through September 30, open air burning is not allowed. That includes burning debris in a barrel to commercial land clearing operations. A violation can cost up to $2,500 and jail time.

Crews from Virginia Forestry, as well as the Carrsville Fire Department, are aiding Suffolk Fire and Rescue as they fight this fire.