PRINCE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Steep Valley Fire in the New River Gorge is currently at 1,550 acres with 11% of the fire contained.
The fire is currently burning on Backus Mountain in Fayette County across the river from the Grandview Main Overlook.
According to officials with the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, the fire is actively burning in extremely steep, rugged terrain through a mixed hardwood forest. The fire has been exhibiting flanking and backing behavior.
Additional crews from the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service have joined crews along with a Type 3 helicopter from Elkins.
Other crews and resources in addition to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve staff have also joined the response.
Those include crews from Wayne National Forest in Ohio, the State of Pennsylvania Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, and White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.
According to park officials, smoke may be visible when the fire is actively burning, and it may linger in the gorge for several days as it moves across the landscape.
The fire is within park boundaries and there are no immediate threats at this time.
The War Ridge Campground remains closed due to the fire.
The fire was discovered on Monday, November 6th, 2023, at around 2:00 PM, and the cause is currently under investigation, according to park officials.
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