UPDATE: December 6, 2021: FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Beauty Mountain fire at the New River Gorge is 100% contained.
According to NPS Rep Davie Bieri, the fire is 100% contained, and the fire size is holding at 132 acres. The fire was creeping and smoldering in isolated portions of the interior. Yesterday crews finished securing the line and patrolled the perimeter until the winds became too hazardous inside the fire perimeter, whereas they pulled away from the lines to avoid any fire weakened trees that may come down from the winds, the fire danger was at high all day, with no movement or growth. Crews were released at the end of the shift, and they will go back to their travel home units in the morning.
Today we will be monitoring the fire. Precipitation is expected later today.
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UPDATE: December 3, 2021: FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Beauty Mountain fire at the New River Gorge is 50% contained.
According to NPS Rep Davie Bieri, the fire size has spread to 132 acres and is 50% contained. The fire on Thursday was creeping and smoldering. The fire received enough moisture to halt fire spread and allow the crews to go direct, put a solid control line in on the west end of the fire, and start mopping up the edges. A 10 person fire module arrived from PA on Thursday evening, and they will be deployed to assist with patrol and mop-up in the morning.
This morning the plan of action will be to continue to map up operations, assure the north end of the fire under the canyon rim rock is secure, patrol the line, and monitor for spot fires outside the perimeter.
Stay with Lootpress for further updates.
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NOVEMBER 30, 2021: FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A wildfire has closed parts of the mountain areas near the New River Gorge Bridge.
The closures are in effect for wildland fire in Beauty Mountain area of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Nuttallburg, Keeneys Creek Rail Trail, and the Headhouse Trail will be closed for public safety. The closure also includes climbing areas from Short Creek to the Cirque.
Fire personnel and equipment will be active in the Lansing- Edmond area. Please use caution if traveling those local roads.