Protecting nearly 12 million acres of forestland from forest fires is a top priority in West Virginia.
Causes of forest fires:
In 2008, the majority of wildfires were caused by people and their carelessness.
- 35% - debris fires escaping into the surrounding woods
- 20% - deliberately set fires (arson/incendiary)
- 24% - people using equipment near or in the woods
- 21% - campfires, children, smokers, and railroads. Some of that 21% were attributed to miscellaneous causes and lightning, and others are still under investigation.
Fire Statistics (Based on calendar year)
- 2011 – 479 fires burned 5,715 acres
- 2010 – 766 fires burned 22,911 acres
- 2009 - 984 fires burned 14,973 acres
- 2008: 889 fires burned 13,151 acres
- 2007: 849 fires burned 7,122 acres
- 2006: 1,022 fires burned 17,608 acres
- 2005: 757 fires burned 12,436 acres
- 2004: 632 fires burned 6,022 acres
- 2003: 669 fires burned 8,370 acres
- 2002: 959 fires burned 10,024 acres
- 2001: 887 fires burned 86,465 acres