LANSING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A brush fire that started on the north side of the New River Gorge yesterday around 3 PM has spread to about 200 acres.
Emergency crews with local fire departments and the National Park Service have been working around the clock to contain and put out this fire. The fire has reached very close to the Wild Rock subdivision and homes in the subdivision have been evacuated due to the threat the fire has posed.
Crews have also been at Adventures on the Gorge blowing brush away from the property to stop the fire from spreading to any of the structures. This morning, AOTG released the following statement: “Yesterday, a fire began on the north side of the New River Gorge. The fire is still burning, and we’re looking forward to the impending rain forecasted tonight and tomorrow. We want to thank the local fire crews and National Park Service for their diligent work throughout the day yesterday, and their continued perseverance during the night. They are actively working to control the fire today as well. Thank you, first responders!”
The West Virginia National Guard will also be assisting in containing and putting out the fire as one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with hoist capability is on its way from Wheeling to Fayette County to assist local authorities in aerial firefighting.
The crew of five Soldiers departed Wheeling at 9 AM this morning and will work alongside other emergency crews on the scene once they arrive. “No matter the need or the danger of the mission, the National Guard will always be there to help the citizens of West Virginia,” stated Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard. “Our Wheeling-based unit has been training for many years to answer this call and will integrate with our partners in the Division of Forestry and Emergency Management Division to save lives and mitigate damage due to this fire.”
Weather conditions will continue to be dry and windy throughout today leading to more high risk of fire spread. Rain from Tropical Storm Nicole is not expected in the area until very late tonight.