HARRISONBURG VA: (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Winds gusting over 50-miles per hour, helped wildfires spread and lead to evacuations of homes in parts of the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia Wednesday. Multiple fires were reported in Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah and Page and Albemarle County and led to the issuance of states of emergency in many areas. Several roads were closed due to the fires and downed trees in some areas.

Multiple homes were threatened by the fires, including in the Bergton area, where a fire has engulfed hundreds of acres.  Virginia Department of Forestry moved multiple bulldozers to the area to build firelines.

Local schools in Page and Shenandoah counties also planned to remain closed on Thursday.