LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — First responders with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and Louisa Fire & EMS evacuated a large area of the county due to ongoing fires in the area.
A spokesperson with the sheriff’s office said that, as of 5:09 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, firefighters were working a large fire in the area of West Old Mountain Road and Yanceyville Road.
Evacuations began in the area of West Old Mountain Road, Shannon Hill Road and Yanceyville Roads.
At 7:24 p.m., the sheriff’s office sent out an additional communication stating that the east side of Vigor Road, Tupalo Ridge and Twin Oaks were also being evacuated.
A temporary shelter and evacuation center was opened at the metal gym behind Louisa County Middle School. Pets are allowed.
At 5:29 p.m., the County declared a state of emergency due to the large fire.
Residents were asked to leave their homes and exit the area until further notice. Those who cannot answer the door or need assistance in evacuating were asked to call 504-967-3496.
According to the Virginia Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Map, the affected area is 200 acres in size, and was 100% contained as of 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21.
“Louisa County Board has declared a state of emergency and is in the process of opening the Emergency Operations Center and emergency shelters for evacuees,” a spokesperson for the County said.
Additionally, Route 640 in the affected area has been shut down in both directions because of the fire, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
This comes as Virginia is currently under a Red Flag Warning, or an advisory to avoid all outdoor fires due to windy and dry conditions.
No other information, such as the cause of the fire, is available at this time.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
