(Roanoke)- Virginia forestry officials say the fall fire season was one of the most challenging in the last 20 years. And they’re urging more caution as drought conditions continue in some parts of the state. The 2023 fall fire season was one to remember, with extreme fire activity and what state forestry officials describe as “tremendous challenges” for the local, state and federal agencies that responded. The department responded to 156 fires during fall fire season in 2023, compared with 89 the year before.