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UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Suffolk Fire & Rescue advises that the brush fire that initially began in the 3800 block of Deer Path Road and then extended deep into the wooded rural area has been called under control at 6:12  p.m.

Deputy Chief Ted Adams has advised that all of the residents who were initially advised to evacuate can now return to their homes, according to a city press release.

The Virginia Department of Forestry and several Suffolk Fire & Rescue brush trucks will remain on scene in the event of any flare-ups. The road closures in the immediate area will be lifted once all of the responding apparatus units have been removed.  

The Virginia Department of Forestry air-dropped four loads of water, each totaling 475 gallons per load, to aid in firefighting efforts.

Mutual aid was also provided by the Suffolk Police Department, Virginia Beach Fire Department, York County Fire Department, Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department.  

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

In a related move, the fire marshal’s office has suspended until further notice all open burning in the city.

“Suffolk Fire Marshal Chris Cornwell has instituted this action due to current gusty and dry conditions,” as well as the brush fire when it was still active, a city press release stated.

Earlier: Suffolk Fire & Rescue are currently on the scene of a working brush fire in the Deer Path Road area.

The fire in the area of the 3800 block of Deer Path Road was reported at 1:13 p.m.

Deputy Chief Ted Adams advises that multiple units, including engines, brush trucks, and tankers, have responded to the densely wooded area, in addition to multiple units and plows from the Virginia Department of Forestry. Due to current windy and dry conditions, the fire is still moving and has jumped fire lines and has extended into the trees in several areas.

Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire & Rescue personnel have advised citizens within the areas of 3457 to 3875 Indian Trail Road to evacuate.  

The roadway in the area of Deer Path Road and Milford Lane, as well as Deer Path Road and Indian Trail, was currently closed to through traffic, and Suffolk Police are providing traffic control in the area. This remains a working incident.