Evacuation Order Lifted for Herndon After Grass Fire; red flag (fire weather) warning had been in effect
Officials lifted an evacuation order for the town of Herndon late Tuesday after a fast-moving grass fire moved past the community and crews achieved significant containment. Local authorities said residents who evacuated were cleared to return home.
Evacuation lifted after containment reached
Just after 8: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, the evacuation order for Herndon was lifted, the county sheriff's office said. The fire chief reported the blaze was about 80% contained and no longer posed a threat to the town, allowing residents to return safely.
Earlier in the afternoon, officials had issued the evacuation as a large grass fire advanced toward the town. By about 5: 00 p. m. ET, emergency managers had estimated the fire was roughly 4 to 5 miles northwest of Herndon and moving southeast. At that time, no injuries had been reported; officials confirmed the absence of injuries again that evening, noting that public safety resources remained staged in the area.
Shelter, response and conditions
Residents who left Herndon were asked to shelter in Atwood at Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 808 1st Street. Emergency responders established the shelter to centralize services and track evacuees while crews worked to slow the fire's progress.
Officials noted that a red flag (fire weather) warning had been in effect for the region, creating critical conditions for rapid fire spread. Dry grasses, low humidity and gusty winds combined to make containment challenging during the initial response, prompting preemptive evacuation measures and deployment of firefighting resources from neighboring districts.
Local fire crews, supported by county emergency personnel, prioritized structure protection and containment lines to keep the fire from reaching populated areas. By late evening, those efforts had reduced the immediate risk to Herndon.
What residents need to know
Officials urged residents returning to their homes to remain cautious. Hot spots and smoldering material can remain a hazard even after a fire is largely contained. Residents should check properties for lingering embers, ensure utility lines and propane equipment are intact, and report any signs of rekindling to emergency services.
Emergency management staff said they will continue monitoring the situation and will update the public if containment levels change or if further safety measures are required. Community members were thanked for following evacuation instructions and for cooperating with responders during the heightened fire conditions.
Authorities reminded residents that weather conditions can shift quickly and to stay tuned to local emergency channels for any future advisories.
