A lack of rainfall and high winds have prompted forestry officials in Southside Virginia to warn against outdoor burning. The risk of wildfires is high because of the dry conditions.

One large fire has already been reported in the region. Campbell County crews were called out early Tuesday to battle a brush fire in  Altavista.

Local firefighters are being assisted by the Virginia Department of Forestry. They were dispatched to the 1700 block of Tardy Mountain Road in Altavista at 4:40 a.m. First responders found a large brush fire about 30 feet from a home. The Evington Volunteer Fire Department is providing additional manpower and a tanker.

The North Carolina Forestry Service has put a burn ban in place for the entire state until further notice.

Firefighters continue to battle a huge fire that started early Saturday evening at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County. The fire has burned an estimated 500 acres of the park and  the North Carolina Forestry Service expects 900 acres will be blackened before the flames are contained.

Dozens of firefighters are battling the mountain fire and weather conditions are hampering their efforts. It’s been several weeks since the area received any significant rainfall.

The smoke from the fire is visible for miles.