Wet, cool conditions are helping to slow a wildfire in Pendleton County that broke out on Thanksgiving.
The Dry Hollow Fire was first reported early Thursday in the Monongahela National Forest near the community of Upper Tract.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire has burned nearly 1,300 acres of both public and privately-owned land. The fire is burning with low to moderate intensity, which is beneficial for some forest species regeneration, including oaks and Table Mountain pine, the agency said.
No structures are threatened. The fire is about 60 percent contained and Forest Service Spokesperson Kelly Bridges said the agency expects fewer firefighters will be needed Tuesday.
Burned areas remain closed to the public. The cause of the fire is under investigation. You can find the lastest on the fire here.
West Virginia’s spring forest fire season starts this week with limits on outside burning.
The season begins Wednesday and runs through May 31. Outside burning is only allowed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Burning also is limited to brush, leaves, yard clippings and other vegetative materials.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry says residents could faces fines if a fire they started escapes and causes a wildfire or forest fire. Fines range from $100 to $1,000.
State law requires a safety strip or ring at least 10 feet wide around outdoor fires to prevent them from spreading into woods.
West Virginia’s spring forest fire season has started with limits on outside burning now in effect.
The season began Tuesday and runs through May 31. Outside burning is only allowed between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Burning also is limited to brush, leaves, yard clippings and other vegetative materials.
The West Virginia Division of Forestry says residents could faces fines if a fire they started escapes and causes a wildfire or forest fire. Fines range from $100 to $1,000.
State law requires a safety strip or ring at least 10 feet wide around outdoor fires to prevent them from spreading into woods.
New River Gorge National River’s Fern Creek Fire that has been burning since Sunday April 20th remains at 90% contained. Crews will continue to monitor and mop up the burn. There are still some hot spots and heat within the perimeter of the burn. Today’s rain will provide a much needed break for the firefighters. The area will be assessed after the weather breaks and future actions planned accordingly.
The National Park Service at New River Gorge National River reports that rangers at the Glen Jean station have been fighting a fire in the park since Sunday night.
Updated Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 9:50 a.m.
The Fern Creek Fire burning in the Endless Wall area of New River Gorge National River is 90% contained. Based on the weather forecast and continued suppression efforts today, full containment is expected tomorrow. There are a couple of spots that continue to burn and put up smoke but they are within the interior of the burn area and pose little to no threat of escaping the containment lines.
On Wednesday, firefighters worked with CSX to identify and remove any hazardous trees that could potentially fall on the railroad tracks. Crews improved line construction, monitored hot spots, and continued the mop up process.
NPS staff and the Cumberland Gap Wildland Fire Module will continue with the same type of work today-patrol, monitor and mop up.
The Endless Wall trail remains closed to public use while crews continue to assess and mitigate safety hazards.
Even though this fire is ramping down, spring fire season remains in effect until May 31st. Please be vigilant when you are out enjoying the park and report any smoke or fires to 911.
Updated Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.
Firefighters today made significant progress on containment of the Fern Creek Fire which has been burning within New River Gorge National River since Sunday.
The fire is now 75% contained. Officials with the National Park Service says favorable weather conditions including higher relative humidities, cooler temperatures, calm winds and a trace amount of precipitation allowed crews to make headway and complete the construction of fire containment lines on the north and south flanks of the fire. The burn area remains at an estimated 130 acres.
Today, local National Park Service staff and two teams specializing in fighting wildfires will continue to patrol active fire areas within the burn. They will also be focusing on cutting hazardous trees in anticipation of reopening of the Endless Wall area. The reopening date is yet to be determined.
The fire remains under investigation, however, it has been determined that it is a human caused fire.
Updated Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 11:55 a.m.
Firefighters are continuing with their efforts to contain the Fern Creek Fire located in the Endless Wall area of New River Gorge National River. Officials with the National Park Service said Tuesday morning that the fire burned 69 acres Monday, bringing the current total to approximately 84 acres since it was first reported. In addition to NPS staff, personnel from the from the Mount Hope Fire Department and the Midewin Hot Shots, a 20-person interagency wildland firefighting crew, hosted by the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois are currently working to put out the fire.
Officials said in a Tuesday news release that crews are working to build fire line that will stop the fire spread. The forecast for increased cloud cover and higher relative humidity will aid in firefighting efforts. The Endless Wall Trail, including the Fern Creek and Nuttall Parking Areas, and associated climbing in the vicinity of the fire remained closed. The source of the fire remains under investigation, according to the release from National Park Service officials.
High fire danger remains in effect for this region for the next several days. As a reminder, spring forest fire season is in effect through May 31, 2014. Daytime burning is prohibited from the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor burning is permitted only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Burning should be avoided altogether on dry, windy days.
Original Story Posted Monday, April 21, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.
From midnight until 5 this morning, park rangers along with Fayetteville and Nuttall Fire Department members fought the fire, according to an NPS news release this afternoon.
The release says 14 park service firefighters were working the fire as of 3:30 p.m. Monday, which was estimated at between 15 – 20 acres.
The fire is located off of Lansing-Edmond Road, along popular climbing accesses near what’s called the Endless Wall Trail. The trail is currently closed as are climbing areas in this vicinity.
The release says the park service crew is reassessing the tactic for direct attack on the fire, because the terrain is treacherous and steep, and the relative humidity is at percent. These factors along with an up slope wind are causing spot fires and embers to fall across the fire line that firefighters cut to break the fire spread.
The NPS is calling in additional resources and crews to help contain the fire. The source of the fire is under investigation.
The Smoke Hole area of Pendleton County, W.Va. that was struck by a forest fire nearly two weeks ago will reopen to the public on Sunday now that the fire is fully contained.
A news release says the public will be free to enter the Monongahela National Forest area where the fire was beginning Sunday morning, Nov. 24, 2013.
The fire burned 1,611 acres.
The release says visitors to the area should be aware that there are still ongoing monitoring and fire patrol efforts and that while the majority of firefighters have gone home, several crews, engines, and a helicopter continue to work in the area.
Update: Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 10 a.m.
The forest fire at the Smoke Hole area of Pendleton County has grown to about 1,600 acres but firefighters are also finding more success in fighting it. According to a news release the fire is 50 percent contained.
The fire started a week ago on private land adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest 11 miles southwest of Petersburg, W.Va. and three miles northeast Seneca Rocks. The cause is under investigation.
The news release says about 190 firefighters and support staff, including four crews, two modules, six engines, two bulldozers, and one helicopter are assisting with the fire.
The release says: Crews had a safe, productive day yesterday. The south and east flanks are being mopped up and patrolled. Some minimal fire activity occurred along the crest of North Fork Mountain along the northwest section of the fire.
Plans for today call for direct attack on any remaining active fire. In areas where the fire is not actively burning, crews are strengthening the completed line.
A cold front moving into the area in late afternoon may bring a chance of thunderstorms with gusty winds and additional rain.
Update: Friday, November 15, 2013 at 9 a.m.
Credit Submitted Photo / W.Va. Division of Forestry
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W.Va. Division of Forestry
The U.S Forest Service and West Virginia Division of Forestry report the fire in the Smoke Hole area of Pendleton County, W.Va. is about 30 percent contained.
The fire is burning on about 1,400 acres of national forest land and adjacent private property 11 miles southwest of Petersburg and three miles northeast of Seneca Rocks.
Here is the latest information from a news release issued this morning:
Approximately 150 firefighters and support staff, including four crews, one module, five engines, two bulldozers, and a helicopter are assisting with the Smoke Hole Fire.
Another safe and challenging day yesterday. Crews had a great day, improving containment and maintaining their safety record. The south end is being mopped up and patrolled, east side is cooling down nicely. Today, crews can expect continued low fuel moisture and warm weather.
Firefighters will be fighting directly and aggressively on all fronts, particularly on the northern edge of the fire.
The following areas are closed under an emergency order: Redman Run Trail (Trail #507) from the North Fork Mountain Trail (Trail #501) to Smoke Hole Road (Grant County Road 23). National Forest System Lands (NFS) in Pendleton County between Highway 28/55, Pendleton County Road 23 to Eagle Rock. NFS lands north of Dry Hollow Creek. At the end of Dry Hollow Creek to the northeast boundary of Seneca Rocks Area. NFS lands and Seneca Rocks Area boundary to the northwest boundary of NFS lands and Seneca Rocks on the Cheat/Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest.
Update: Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 11 a.m.
Firefighters continue battling a 1,400 acre forest fire in the Smoke Hole area of Pendleton County.
A news release says: Wednesday was a very productive day, with good progress made along the southeastern edge of the fire.
Credit Submitted Photo / W.Va. Division of Forestry
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W.Va. Division of Forestry
Helicopters are being used to fight the Smoke Hole Fire in Pendleton County, W.Va.
Solid progress was made establishing an indirect fire line around the western and northern edges of the fire. This is a long-duration fire and a containment date is not predicted at this time.
There will be more than 150 people on location at the fire today with resources from approximately 18 states.
Crews will construct and improve new lines as well as patrol and secure existing lines. A helicopter is being used for reconnaissance and water drops.
Wednesday there was minimal activity with little smoke visible. Today’s forecast is for the high 50s, significantly warmer than the past few days.
The warmer weather and unseasonably low humidity can produce a change in fire behavior. The surrounding area may see more smoke today due to winds and continuing fire suppression activities.
Anywhere from two inch to 20 foot flames are possible, depending on the fuel types and weather conditions.
Today’s objectives are to provide for firefighter and public safety, provide protection to communities within the fire area, and to protect natural and cultural resources to the extent possible.
Update: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 8:30 p.m.
Access to the Monongahela National Forest in the area of the Smoke Hole fire is now restricted.
Credit Submitted Photo / W.Va. Division of Forestry
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W.Va. Division of Forestry
Firefighters are fighting a forest fire in the Smoke Hole area of Pendleton County, W.Va. that started Sunday afternoon.
A press release by the U.S. Forest Service and West Virginia Division of Forestry says an emergency closure order restricting access took effect Wednesday.
“This action is being taken to provide for public and firefighter safety while we work to protect National Forest property and resources and private structures.” Troy Waskey, District Ranger of the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District, said.
The closure order will remain in effect for the next 120 days unless otherwise rescinded by the Forest Supervisor.
Everyone is prohibited from entering national forest land described below unless specifically authorized.
Redman Run Trail (Trail #507) from the North Fork Mountain Trail (Trail #501) to Smoke Hole Road (Grant County Road 23).
National Forest System Lands (NFS) in Pendleton County between Highway 28/55, Pendleton County Road 23 to Eagle Rock.
NFS lands north to Dry Hollow Creek.
At the end of Dry Hollow Creek to the northeast boundary of Seneca Rocks Area.
NFS lands and Seneca Rocks Area boundary to the northwest boundary of NFS lands and Seneca Rocks on the Cheat/Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest.
Violations area punishable by a fine of up to $500 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization. Violators also face a prison sentence of not more than six months. Update: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 11 a.m.
The wildfire burning in the Smoke Hole area of the Monongahela National Forest in Pendleton County, W.Va. has spread and now at least 1,400 acres is burning on National Forest and nearby private land.
A news release from the West Virginia Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service says the fire is about 20 percent contained.
The release says firefighters made good progress Tuesday suppressing it on the southern end.
“This is an unusual fire,” Operations Chief Pete Irvine said this morning. “There was fire burning actively against the wind in a snowstorm.”
The fire started Sunday about 12:30 p.m. Robert Beanblossom, public information officer for the incident, said the initial attack occurred later that afternoon and Monday crews were able to work on the south perimeter of the fire and “made real substantial progress” on the south end.
Beanblossoom said no structures were threatened as of Tuesday afternoon but there are people monitoring to make sure it doesn’t spread in a direction that threatens structures.
The fire is burning in a predominately oak and hickory forest. The North Fork Mountain Trail was closed Tuesday from its intersection with the Redmond Run Trail south to its terminus at U.S. Rte. 33.
Forest Rd. 79 is also closed to the public. North Fork Mountain Trail is closed at the intersection with the Landis Trail (#502) and south until US Route 33. An area wide emergency closure order will be in place on Wednesday.
The area of Pendleton County affected by the fire didn’t receive any snowfall Tuesday morning and Beanblossom said there were winds, with gusts up to 25 mph, which hampered firefighting efforts. But he said there was also good cloud cover and high relative humidity and that helps firefighters.
About 80 personnel were fighting the fire Tuesday with units from the Franklin, Seneca Rocks, Upper Tract and Petersburg fire departments as well as units from the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Peter Fischer, Monongahela National Forest fire management officer, said in a news release this is the largest wildfire in the Forest since the 1940’s or 1950’s. The cause is under investigation.
More information is available at the Cheat-Potomac Ranger Station, 304-257-4488 extension 28.
