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Matts Creek Fire Smoke Outlook, Nov. 19

Publication Type: News 11/20/2023

Fire
Matt's Creek fire continues to move around in the heavy leaf litter and shrubs within the Thunder Ridge NF Wilderness Area southeast of the Natural Bridge. Yesterday's winds pushed active fire edges on the west flank of the fire, resulting in additional fire spread between Belfast and Big Hellgate Creek towards the James River. Light west winds today will slow fire activity and reduce smoke production into the evening. Warm and dry conditions will continue to support fast fire growth in the continuous leaf litter. Visit Inciweb for closures, contacts, and more information.


Smoke
Today-expect USG-VERY UNHEALTHY conditions between Bedford and Lexington. Light west winds will disperse smoke along I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkways. Today's clear skies, light winds, and warmer temps will produce short periods of reduced roadway visibility and pockets of heavier smoke concentrations along drainage and valley bottoms. This evening, smoke will continue to settle in communities between the Natural Bridge, Buena Vista, Amherst, and Lynchburg. A cooler, moist air mass is moving into the area Monday night bringing improved air quality.


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