Monroe, VA – On March 22, 2025, at approximately 12:48 PM, the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Lakeridge Drive for a reported brush fire. Units Brush 21, Tanker 21, Engine 23 and Chief 2 responded promptly to the scene.

Upon arrival, Chief 2 discovered a wooded area ablaze, approximately 100 feet from a residence. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Chief 2 requested a second alarm, and the Pedlar Fire Department was dispatched. However, Pedlar was diverted to another fire on Tanglewood Drive while en-route. Chief 2 and Engine 23 was reassigned to the second fire.

Additional members of the Monelison Fire Department arrived on scene to assist in containing the fire. Firefighters worked diligently to establish a fire line around the perimeter, successfully preventing the fire from spreading to the nearby residence. The high winds posed a significant challenge, causing embers to spread throughout the wooded area and igniting multiple smaller fires.

The origin of the fire was traced to a burn pile on a nearby homeowner's property. The homeowner was unaware of the burn ban on open-air burning before 4 PM, which led to the ignition of the fire in the woodline.

The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department reminds all residents to adhere to local burn bans and regulations to prevent such incidents. We extend our gratitude to all firefighters who responded and worked tirelessly to contain the fire.