Virginia wildfires strike again

During the first 87 days of 2006, Virginia has experienced more fires and had more acres burned than for all of 2005, according to officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF).
Sunday afternoon, about 60 homes were briefly evacuated as a fire sent smoke billowing above this city of about 11,000 people, about 15 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency Sunday and activated the Virginia National Guard to be available to help battle wildfires that have broken out in several areas across the state. "The flames were at the top of the trees and I could feel the heat," said Cooper, 37, who went to a Baptist church being used as a shelter to check on his neighbors.
The Willow Spring Free Will Baptist Church in Cleveland, N.C., just south of Raleigh, was holding a worship service when a fire forced it to evacuate, town Fire Chief Chris Ellington said. The church was spared any damage as high winds whipped the flames across 50 acres, burning two empty barns and threatening about 20 homes, Ellington said. No injuries were reported.
Hundreds of western Virginia homes were under a mandatory evacuation as wildfires spread. High winds took down trees and knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses.