04/13/2026
🔥 Important Update for Our Campers
Wythe County has issued an immediate burn ban due to extremely dry conditions and increased fire risk.
This means NO campfires or wood-burning fires of any kind are allowed, including fire rings, until further notice.
Propane/gas grills are still permitted if used safely and attended at all times.
We know campfires are a big part of the experience, but this is a county-mandated safety measure to help protect our community, property, and first responders. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation! If you have any questions, or need to reschedule your booking, feel free to reach out.
Declaration of Local Emergency
Wythe County Burn Ban
WHEREAS, as Wythe County Director of Emergency Management, in accordance with §44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia, I have been advised by the county director of emergency services, emergency management coordinator and affiliated agencies regarding consideration of a county-wide ban on outdoor burning; and
WHEREAS, all parts of Wythe County are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, high fire fuel loads, variable wind gust conditions and elevated safety risk to life, property and first responders in the County of Wythe; and
WHEREAS, Wythe County responders have been called to multiple recent brush and grass fires resulting in property damage and threats to persons, livestock and livelihood; and
WHEREAS, adjoining and nearby counties have implemented burn bans after the National Weather Service emplaced advisories against outdoor burning, prompting a need to consider county-wide action; and
WHEREAS, Wythe County is authorized by Virginia Code§ 15.2-922.1 to regulate the making of fires on private property and public places when a declared emergency exists; and,
WHEREAS, the County under§ 44-146.21 may declare a local emergency when the governing body perceives a need to protect the health and safety of persons and property; and,
WHEREAS, also in accordance with § 44-146.21, the governing body, when in its judgment all emergency actions have been taken, shall take appropriate action to end the declared emergency;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, James D. Smith, Chair of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and by Code the Director of Emergency Management, acting upon the recommendation of fire, emergency management and law enforcement staff, find and declare that a local emergency exists due to fire hazard; and
FURTHERMORE, I do hereby declare an immediate and indefinite ban on outdoor burning, subject to confirmation by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, effective immediately on this 13th day of April, 2026, at 6 p.m., and authorize the county's public safety and law enforcement agencies to act to enforce this ban.
James D. Smith, Chair
April 13, 2026
