Compiled from reports by staff writers Paul W. Valentine, Bill Miller, David Montgomery, Alan Sipress, Philip P. Pan and Victoria Benning and the Associated Press.
Wednesday, December 2, 1998; Page B03

THE REGION

Drought Brings Higher Alert, Lower Water

With the months-long drought showing no signs of abating, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III (R) declared a precautionary state of emergency yesterday because of the fire danger across his state.

Gilmore's declaration came as the U.S. Geological Survey reported that freshwater stream flow into the Chesapeake Bay fell to 9.3 billion gallons a day in November, a low second only to the 9 billion gallons a day recorded in November 1964.

Gilmore said he was "taking this step as a precaution against the danger of fires to citizens and their property. This will enable various state personnel from forestry, emergency services, the National Guard and other agencies to respond faster to any significant fire emergency."

The declaration puts the National Guard on standby alert and allows the use of National Guard helicopters to fight fires in remote areas.

Gilmore banned all open burning last month. Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D) has prohibited outdoor burning within 200 feet of wooded areas as well as campfires in state parks and on other public land.

The Geological Survey said that despite the lack of rain, water supplies for the region remain adequate because of relatively high water table levels from above-average rainfall earlier in the year.