Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department

05/30/2026

05/28/2026

Our Department would like to Thank Access Home Health Care for the beautiful gift basket and continued support!

05/27/2026

The Board of Supervisors has voted to rescind the burn ban effective immediately. While conditions have improved, residents are urged to continue using caution and good judgment when conducting any outdoor burning.

Please burn responsibly:
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep water or tools nearby to extinguish flames
• Avoid burning during windy or dry conditions
• Follow all local safety regulations and permitted burn guidelines

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban and your continued commitment to keeping our community safe.

05/22/2026

Wythe County's ban on open burning remains in effect until drought conditions further improve, but the county is relaxing restrictions on enclosed fires. Limited contained fires in fire rings, fire pits, grills and burn barrels will be permitted effective today, May 22, with the following rules.

Large-scale fires and all unattended fires continue to be prohibited until further notice.

Fire rings, fire pits, grills, or burn barrels shall not exceed 42 inches in diameter.

Fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times while burning.

Fire must be limited to within the container.

The fire shall be completely extinguished with water before being left unattended.

A water source or fire suppression equipment shall remain readily available during the duration of the fire.

Burning shall be limited to clean, dry wood or approved fuel sources only.

Burning shall immediately cease during periods of high wind, low visibility conditions, or upon direction from emergency personnel.

This modification is in effect as of Friday, May 22, 2026, pending confirmation and ratification by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

05/12/2026

In response to elevated fire danger, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has instituted fire restrictions within a quarter mile of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail as it passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, camp fire or stove fire is prohibited.

The restrictions are effective immediately and will be in place until rescinded by the Forest Supervisor.

Commercially available fuel stoves, such as propane camp stoves, enclosed lanterns and isobutane backpacking stoves are still permitted to be used. Visitors and hikers are reminded not to leave stoves or lanterns unattended and to make sure they are fully extinguished after using.

Alert Start Date: May 11, 2026
Alert End Date: N/A

Rec Sites Affected:
Appalachian Trail
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Order Number: 08-08-14-26-02

REMINDER: Wythe County as a whole is still under a burn ban. For more information: https://www.wytheco.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/62

05/09/2026

We sold out! The Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department would like to Thank everyone for their support in our Spring BBQ. Special Thanks to GFL Environmental, The Dutch Pantry, The Java Blend, Parkway Gas, Food City, Rural King, Hilltop Carryout, Brenda Gilbert, Chuck Miller, Carolyn Porter, Irene Miller, Allison Peachey, Krista Zook, Sue Hunley, Melissa Mercer, Renae Jones, Patricia Evans and the many family members of the RRFD who worked and made the homemade desserts. Our favorite part of the BBQ fund raisers is seeing and saying hello to everyone in our community. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the Fall BBQ.

05/08/2026

The Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department Spring BBQ today! Drive through service beginning at 3:00!

05/08/2026

Thanks to Lionheart painting for the extra touches to our Fire station!!!

05/05/2026

Virginia's official spring fire season may have ended on April 30, but the ongoing drought and current weather conditions are keeping wildfire risk elevated.🔥📈 The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) reports increased fire danger across most of Virginia today, May 5, due to low humidity and gusty winds. Postpone outdoor burning and use extra caution with all potential ignition sources.