LANSING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The New River Gorge fire that has been burning on the north side of the Gorge for nearly three days has been 65% contained and no structures have been damaged, according to officials with the National Park Service.
The fire which has spread to approximately 200 acres resulted in a response from many local fire departments and the National Park Service. A crew from Pennsylvania and Shenandoah National Park also assisted in containing the fire. Aerial support was provided by the West Virginia National Guard as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was sent in from Wheeling to dump water on the fire.
According to a press release from the National Park Service, crews were on the scene until 12:30 AM last night and reported minimal fire activity.
All evacuation orders have been lifted and all roads are now open. Firefighters will remain on the scene monitoring the fire throughout the day. No injuries have been reported.
New River Gorge National Park operations have not been affected and all areas of the Park remain open and accessible including the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.