wildfire Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Rainfall Helps Contain Wildfires, But Problems Persist For Residents

Storms swept West Virginia on Tuesday, providing rainfall over wildfires in the eastern region of the state. Meanwhile, residents are still grappling with property damages on the ground.

Storms swept through West Virginia on Tuesday, knocking down trees and powerlines.

But the rainfall provided an unexpected benefit to communities in the Potomac Highlands and Eastern Panhandle: helping quash fires that have burned for days on end.

Emergency responders are continuing to monitor the region after extensive wildfires burned through more than 5,000 acres in late March.

All of the wildfires have since been contained, which means emergency responders have surrounded them to restrict their spread. But portions of the fire continue to burn, and smaller fires have popped up elsewhere in the state.

Now, the added rainfall has helped emergency responders gain further control over the wildfires, according to Assistant State Forester Linda Carnell.

“We’ve already got over an inch of rain,” she said. “Yes, there are hindrances to too much rain. But, in the long run, this will definitely help get the upper edge on all these fires.”

Still, Carnell said rainstorms are often followed by intense winds. That means residents should remain vigilant about fire safety protocol.

In the meantime, though, she said emergency responders are appreciative of the win.

“It’s a good thing. We’re happy for the rain,” Carnell said. “We definitely needed it.”

A large puddle on Shepherd University’s campus Tuesday following heavy rain. Rainstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday helped further contain wildfires in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands and Eastern Panhandle.

*Photo Credit: Jack Walker/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

While the wildfires have been contained, damages continue to affect residents on the ground.

Paul Lewis serves as director of emergency management for Hardy County, one of the areas most affected by the fires. He said the fires have caused significant structural damage, and displaced some residents from their homes.

“We’ve had some houses lost and those people right now are in one of the shelters trying to find a place to relocate,” he said. “There’s at least two families there.”

In addition to homes, several cabins and outbuildings have been destroyed by the flames, he said.

While county officials continue to monitor the situation locally, Lewis said that residents have coordinated with relief organizations to access additional support.

For example, the Catholic Charities of West Virginia has provided resources to residents in need. The Hardy County 4-H Camp, located in Wardensville, has also served as a temporary relief shelter for some residents, he said.

Additionally, Lewis said residents facing damage to their places of residence can contact The American Red Cross of the Greater Shenandoah Valley for further support.

Lewis said the county is still collecting data on the extent of structural damages and further updates will be provided in future.

For more information on wildfire incidents in West Virginia, visit the Division of Forestry’s Fire Report webpage.

Residents affected by the wildfires can contact the Central Appalachian Region of the American Red Cross for support.

April Showers Could Bring Floods, Help Ebb Fires

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for the northern two-thirds of the state. The warning extends until Tuesday night with more rainfall and severe weather on the way later in the week. The weather service advises residents to be ready to take action to stay safe. The rainfall could be beneficial, however, for the ongoing fires in the Eastern Panhandle.

John Peck, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said that residents along waterways anywhere within the flood area need to practice heightened caution and awareness.

“Anybody that’s in those lower lying areas or has interest along creeks, streams and rivers,” Peck said. “Be advised to move any personal property away from those locations.”

The rainfall could be beneficial for the ongoing fires in the Eastern Panhandle.

“The rain will help moisten up the fields,” Peck said. “Which will reduce the potential for wildfire spread. And it should help any wildland firefighters take care of any issues that are lingering out there.”

The wet front is expected to waver north to south throughout the week, rendering it hard to know where some of the heaviest rainfall will likely occur.

“Just important to know that there will be some potential for some heavy rain out there, perhaps some persistent heavy rain for some locations,” Peck said.

Peck said that as the spring progresses and the larger mountain vegetation, like trees, begin leafing the land will be able to absorb more rain. But now, with only smaller vegetation out of winter dormancy, a lot of the rainfall is still running off the mountain.

“This early in the season where you don’t have all the vegetation active, it’s relatively easy to get some overland flooding when you get some heavier rainfall,” Peck said. “But we do have the grasses active, that’ll take care of some of it, but the trees are still just coming into their own.”

W.Va. Wildfires Steadily Decreasing, Air Still Smoky In Areas Due To Virginia Fire

As Wildfires are slowly decreasing in the state, the air is staying smoky in some areas due to a massive wildfire in Virginia.

There are currently an estimated 10,000 acres of active wildfires in the state — down around 5,000 acres over the last two weeks. Last week’s rain reduced the threat of the wildfires spreading and extinguished thousands of acres of active wildfires. Most of the state had around a half inch of rain.

The southern region, where the majority of the fires are, had the most rain.

However, the air is still smoky in much of central and southern West Virginia. Joe Curtis, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the smoke is coming from the Matts Creek Fire in Virginia. The fire is around 10,106 acres and is 27 percent contained.

“It’s still bringing a lot of smoke to us in West Virginia, here today. And it’s going to be increasing here this evening as well,” Curtis said.

Southeasterly winds will be bringing more smoke into central and northern West Virginia throughout the day. More rain is forecasted for this week and is expected to quell fires throughout both states.

“We’re going to get a pretty good soaking rain, about an inch for most areas, and that should be pretty beneficial and should help out with the fires,” Curtis said.

Pendleton County Fire Slowing In Monongahela National Forest

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.

UPDATE: Grant County Wildfire is 90 Percent Contained

Updated on Monday, October 23 at 3:49 p.m.

The nearly 200-acre wildfire in a remote area of Grant County is now 90 percent contained. As of Friday, no smoke or heat has been visible within the fire area.

The North Fork Mountain Trail has also been reopened, and Area and Trail Closure signs have been removed.

Fire officials are still urging visitors and recreators to use caution, however, when traveling through the area.

Over 80 firefighters worked to contain the North Fire that began on October 2, which is located about 12 miles west of Petersburg in the Monongahela National Forest.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Updated on Thursday, October 19 at 3:37 p.m.

A nearly 200-acre wildfire that began almost 20 days ago in Grant County is now 70 percent contained. Some areas in the Monongahela National Forest are still closed to visitors.

Over 80 firefighters have worked to improve firelines and contain the North Fire that began on October 2 in a remote area of Grant County. The wildfire is located about 12 miles west of Petersburg in the Monongahela National Forest.

The National Forest has closed access to forest lands surrounding the fire. This includes areas south and east of the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River to Smoke Hole Road, and to the Grant-Pendleton County line.

A large portion of the North Fork Mountain Trail is also closed, as well as the entire Landis Trail and Redman Run Trail.

Fire officials are urging caution to drivers and visitors to this area.

Officials say the next significant chance of rain will be early next week.

Updated on Sunday, October 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Forestry officials say a two-week-old wildfire in a remote area of West Virginia is about 50 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service issued an incident report Sunday for the 198-acre fire in the Monongahela National Forest.

The report crews are working on improving fire lines and keeping them clear from falling leaves. It says predicted higher winds may cause an increase in fire activity.

The wildfire began Oct. 2 in Grant County, about 12 miles west of Petersburg. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Unlike quick-moving wildfires in the western U.S., fires in the mostly hardwood forests of Appalachia are slow.

Updated on Wednesday, October 11 at 1:56 p.m.

A nearly 200-acre wildfire in Grant County continues to burn, but fire officials say more of the blaze is being contained thanks to rain and quick action by fire crews.

The North Fire in the Monongahela National Forest was 40 percent contained Tuesday, according to a press release from the forest service.

Firefighters built new fireline along the north end of the fire – west toward North Fork, while firelines were reinforced along the east end.

Containment lines have been completed on the southeast side of the fire near Smoke Hole Road. Firefighters removed snags and hazardous trees Tuesday to improve safety along control lines.

Half an inch of rain is expected Wednesday for the affected area, and officials say it will help, but it will also hinder firefighter operations because of slippery terrain.

The Grant County wildfire began Oct. 2, 12 miles west of Petersburg. The cause is still under investigation.

Updated on Tuesday, October 10 at 9:15 a.m.

Forestry officials say a wildfire in West Virginia continues to burn despite recent rainfall.

The U.S. Forest Service says in an incident report that the 198-acre fire in the Monongahela National Forest was 30 percent contained Monday.

The report says an inch of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Nate fell Sunday night, limiting the fire’s growth. An additional fire crew arrived Monday to help build a fire line.

The wildfire began Oct. 2 in a remote area of Grant County, about 12 miles west of Petersburg.

Officials say the fire is in a treacherous area with falling trees and loose rocks. The Landis Trail and the Redman Run Trail are closed. A large portion of the North Fork Mountain Trail also is closed.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

Updated on Friday, October 6 at 3:56 p.m.

A wildfire that began Monday in Grant County has now grown and continues to spread.

The North Fire in the Monongahela National Forest is now estimated at more than 50 acres. Fire crews first responded to the wildfire Monday afternoon in a remote area of Grant County, just 12 miles west of Petersburg.

As of Thursday, officials have upgraded the fire to a ‘Type 3’ fire because of its extended duration and complexity. 25 firefighters have now been assigned to the scene. On Friday, additional crew members were dispatched.

The North Fork Mountain Trail has now been closed to all public entry from the Landis Trail to the Redman Run Trail.

District Ranger Troy Waskey said in a news release he and his team are working closely with Grant County 911, Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, and other local agencies to contain the fire.

The cause is still undetermined.

In September, the USDA reported 2017 is already the most expensive fiscal year on record for combating wildfires, exceeding $2 billion.

President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for 2018 calls for cuts to the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire fighting initiative by $300 million.

Original Post:

Fire crews responded to a wildfire Monday afternoon in a remote area of Grant County. At this time, no structures are threatened.

The five-acre North Fire is burning in rugged terrain near North Fork Mountain Trail, approximately 12 miles west of Petersburg on the Monongahela National Forest.

Work continued Tuesday to contain that fire. 15 firefighters are conducting initial fire operations, and visitors are encouraged to avoid Redman Run Trail and portions of the North Fork Mountain Trail.

The ground fire is burning primarily in what’s called the ‘duff layer,’ which is a buildup of years of organic material from leaves, pine needles, and woody debris.

The USDA Forest Service says the cause of the North Fire is still under investigation.

Officials say those recreating in the Monongahela National Forest this fall should use caution. The National Weather Service says much of West Virginia has been abnormally dry.

UPDATE: Wildfires Extinguished in Dolly Sods Wilderness, Closure Order Lifted

Updated on 10-06-2016 10:50 a.m.

The Closure Order for the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area was lifted on October 5, 2016 and all trails are now open. A Fire Ban in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is still in effect due to prolonged drought and will remain in place until weather conditions improve. Gas powered backpacking/camping stoves are allowed in the wilderness area. The current Fire Ban no longer includes the Red Creek Campground and Dolly Sods Picnic Area.

Updated on 09-29-16 5:55 p.m.

Two out of the five wildfires in the Dolly Sods Wilderness have been completely extinguished, and two more fires have been 100 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service team that is managing the Red Creek Fires. There is a fifth fire that firefighters haven’t yet been able to contain. This fire was discovered Wednesday, September 29. An explosive safety specialist has been called in to inspect the area surrounding the fifth fire to make sure there are no unexploded ordinances nearby. During World War II, the Dolly Sods Wilderness area was used as a training ground for soldiers, and many artillery and mortar shells shot into the area for practice still exist.

The southwestern portions of Dolly Sods in Tucker County are closed until further notice. The rest of the wilderness area is still open for camping and hiking.

The fires are a 4-mile hike from the nearest road. Thirty Forest Service employees are managing the fires, with the assistance of horses that have packed in supplies.

Updated on 09-28-16 4:40 p.m.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, there are now five wildfires burning in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. All of the fires are small, less than an acre in size. Three of the five wildfires are 80-100 percent contained. It has been determined that three of the five wildfires were caused by unattended campfires. The cause of the fourth and fifth fire is still under investigation. Fire suppression efforts continue Wednesday and rain is forecasted for the next couple of days, which authorities say should help their efforts to fight the fires.

The Big Stonecoal Trail, Little Stonecoal Trail, Breathed Mountain Trail, Rocky Point Trail and Dunkenbarger Trail all remained closed in Dolly Sods. A fire ban is in place throughout most of the Dolly Sods area.

Updated on 09-26-16 9:30 p.m.

This past weekend was the peak time for tourists to visit Dolly Sods to see the leaves change for fall. But some of these visitors left behind smoldering campfires, and now four wildfires are burning in the area.

The first fire was discovered two weeks ago on September 16th. That fire is still burning, as well as three more that were discovered last Thursday, and this past weekend. Unattended campfires are believed to have caused three of the fires – and the cause of the fourth is still under investigation.

dolly_sods_for_web.mp3

This year’s weather conditions are partly to blame, says Cliff Hensley with the Monongahela National Forest. “West Virginia normally doesn’t have a lot of forest fires.”

But the last few months have been unusually dry. What’s especially abnormal about this year’s fires is they’re burning through the top layer of soil, catching all the dry debris, and continuing to burn as much as a foot and a half underground.

Fires this deep, Hensley said, haven’t been common here for seventy years. “Back in the ‘40s there was similar fires but nothing since.”

Over thirty U.S. Forest Service employees have been on the scene working to contain the wildfires in the last few weeks. Three of the fires are 80-100 percent contained.

The first and most significant fire is still burning but is under control. Rain fell Monday evening, helping the firefighters with the suppression efforts.

All hiking and camping is temporarily prohibited in the Red Creek area, though the Northern and Eastern Portions of Dolly Sods are still open.

This is a developing story.

Updated 09-26-16 4:44 p.m.

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say two new wildfires have been identified in the Dolly Sods Wilderness. Four wildfires in the Red Creek area are now under investigation. The fires are all believed to be caused by human activity. The fires remain small in size.

Original story: 09-24

Two wildfires are burning in the Dolly Sods Wilderness area within the Monongahela National Forest. The cause of both fires is under investigation, but it is believed they were caused by human activity.

The fires are small, less than 1 acre in size. Fire activity has been low intensity with minimal fire spread. At this time, Red Creek Fire #2 is 90 percent contained. It will continue to be monitored daily for some time. Fire suppression efforts continue with firefighters focusing on the original fire.

The Red Creek Fire was discovered on Friday, September 16, 2016. A second fire was discovered on September 22, 2016, now called Red Creek Fire #2.

The Forest Service has closed trails and the surrounding area due to the potential presence of unexploded ordinance in the wilderness area. The intent is to create a safety zone of at least one-half mile around the fires to prevent injuries should the wildfire cause an undetected ordinance to explode.

For this reason, a Forest Supervisor’s Closure Order (see map) was issued for the southwestern portion of the Dolly Sods Wilderness on September 23, 2016. The closure order applies specifically to an area bounded by the Wilderness boundary on the west, and area 100 feet east of Forest Road 80, an area 100 feet south of Blackbird Knob Trail (TR 511), an area 100 feet west of Red Creek Trail (TR 514) and an area 100 feet north of Laneville Road (CO 45/4).

This includes all cross-country travel and travel on the following trails: Big Stonecoal Trail (TR 513), Little Stonecoal Trail (TR 552), Breathed Mountain Trail (TR 553), Rocky Point Trail (TR 554) and Dunkenbarger Trail (TR 558).

Due to dry conditions, a closure order related to outdoor burning is also in effect. A fire ban is in place for the entire Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, the Red Creek Campground and the Dolly Sods Picnic Area. No campfires or charcoal grills are allowed. Gas-powered grills and backpacking stoves can still be used.

Troy Waskey, Cheat-Potomac District Ranger, said, “The timing of these two closures is unfortunate with so many visitors to the Dolly Sods at this time of year. All of the hikers and hunters that firefighters have encountered on the trails have been very understanding.”

He said the closures will be lifted as soon as possible. He emphasized that firefighter and public safety are his top priority.