Windy Sunday fans brush fires

High winds helped spread three brush fires on Sunday in Rappahannock County, according to reports at the county sheriff's office.

The fires were located on Crest Hill Road near Flint Hill, Gay Street in the Town of Washington and Castleton View Road in Castleton.

The fire on Crest Hill Road encompassed three acres, Sheriff Connie Smith said. It was extinguished by the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

The blaze on Gay Street was caused by a transformer that was on fire, Smith said. It was handled by the Washington Volunteer Fire Department.

Several fire companies reported to the scene of the brush fire in Castleton. Volunteer fire departments from Amissville, Sperryville and Castleton, as well as the Virginia Department of Forestry, helped put out the blaze.

Smith said there were 27 large brush fires reported across the commonwealth on Sunday.

Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency in Virginia, directing state agencies to aid in response to multiple wildfires that had broken out in numerous areas across commonwealth.

E-mail the reporter at kallen@timespapers.com.