Single Publication

The North Zone Complex covers five wildfires in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and on state and private land in West Virginia and Virginia. They are: Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 Fire, Waites Run Fire, Capon/Brush Run Fire, Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire, and Cove Mountain Fire. Command of the North Zone Complex has been transferred to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor. 

Fire Update - Monday April 1, 2024

Current Status: Command of the North Zone Complex is assigned to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor.  Cove Fire will be patrolled until declared out.  No further suppression or repair needs at this time.  Capon, Waterfall Mountain, Edith Gap and Waites Run resources will continue to monitor and patrol fire lines. Continuation of suppression repair will occur as needs are identified. Firefighters continue to remove snags, address other safety concerns, and continue to secure containment lines.  Fire and insect weakened trees continue to fall within the fire-scar. Road conditions have deteriorated due to rainfall and equipment traffic.

Individual Fire Updates: 15,977 total acres 

1.    Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA
        -    6,399 acres; 98% contained 
2.    Waites Run Fire in Hardy County, WV 
        -    6,223 acres, 100% contained
3.    Capon/Brush Run Fire in Rockingham County, VA 
        -    2,368 acres, 100% contained
4.    Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA 
        -    832 acres, 95% contained
5.    Cove Mountain Fire in Hardy County, WV
        -    155 acres, 100% contained

Resources: 6 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2IA crew, 1Type 3 helicopter, 8 engines, 2 dozers and 145 personnel. 

Date and Cause Reported: The fires were reported on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and Thursday, March 21, 2024. The causes of the fires are undetermined.  

Weather: Today partly to mostly cloudy skies and a wetting rain from showers and thunderstorms likely. Showers are likely with a chance for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday. A series of strong cold fronts will cross Wednesday through Thursday. Gusty winds and drier air will move across the area behind the storm on Wednesday. High pressure will return Friday.            

                       
Closures: For the protection of public health and safety, and for the protection of resources, please respect area, road and trail closures.  Check the George Washington and Jefferson website for the full list of closures. www.fs.usda.gov/gwj 

Advisories: We ask the public to avoid areas with active fire for their own safety and to allow firefighters to work safely. Public and firefighter safety is always our top priority. In addition, please do not fly drones near or over a wildfire. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke and Air Quality:  Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov

General Fire Information:  
•    Homeowners can learn how to make their homes less susceptible to wildfires by visiting:  www.firewise.org   

•    Virginia’s 4 p.m. Burning Law remains in effect until April 30, 2024. It bans open-air burning before 4 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times. For more information, please visit https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/fire-laws/4-pm-burning-law.