Air quality alert issued for the area

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Lateral West Fire burning in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has grown to more than 3,200 acres despite firefighter efforts.

On Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a code orange air quality alert for Hampton Roads, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

In addition, Cambridge College closed at 10:30 a.m. due to the smoke. The college is located in the Greenbrier section of Chesapeake.

The smoke will be in the area over the next few days, but is expected to lighten overnight, according to Virginia Beach Battalion Chief Kenneth Pravetz. He said Virginia Beach has increased its staffing to field the calls at the communications center. Residents are asked to call 911 only if they actually see smoke or flames coming from a structure or vehicle.

Driving in the area is also more dangerous due to reduced visibility. Citizens are encouraged to reduce travel, if possible, and to drive with headlights on to increase visibility, reducing the likelihood of an accident.

According to a news release from the wildlife refuge, high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds sent the fire across sections of firebreaks constructed over the past three days.

The fire is southwest of Lake Drummond off Interior Ditch Road and remains within the refuge boundary.

The Lateral West Fire was started by lightning and was first reported to the refuge on August 4. Officials said there was a second, smaller wildfire burning. However, that fire is now part of the Lateral West Fire.

Drought conditions throughout the area have dried the deep organic soils, brush and downed trees. The fuels will burn until there is at least six inches of rain over a period of a few days, according to the wildlife refuge.

Changes in atmospheric pressure will also affect how much the smoke rises.

Officials said smoke will be visible for many days and may be heavy at times.

The following closures are in place until further notice:

• The Dismal Swamp State Park is closed.
• Lake Drummand is closed to boating.
• Railroad Ditch Road is closed to all public use activities including scheduled tours.

Several agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and AmeriCorps NCCC are helping with the effort.

Individuals with respiratory or heart ailments, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion while the air quality alert is in effect.

Officials also say to stay inside and use your air conditioner. Avoid activities that put extra demands on your lungs and heart, including exercise and physical chores, both outdoors and indoors.