Single Publication

The North Zone Complex covers six wildfires burning in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and on state and private land in West Virginia and Virginia. They are:

1. Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 Fire (6,206 acres, 20% contained) – Firefighters have tied the west side of the fire into a previous burn area. They will monitor and mop up fireline today. Crews will continue to construct containment lines on the south and east sides, cold trail, and put in line where possible to secure those edges. They will also scout for green pockets. Helicopter operations could continue along the northeast portion of the fire. The Virginia Department of Forestry is managing the east side of the fire, north and south of U.S. 211.
2. Waites Run Fire (3,760 acres, 0% contained) – Firefighters have completed work on the southwest side of the fire. Crews will look for opportunities on the east side to tie those lines into existing roads. That could open up a possible green area that may need to be burned out in the next few days. Aircraft will continue to work there today. Hemlocks remain a concern. Expert fellers are arriving to cut down hazard trees. 
3. Capon/Brush Run Fire (2,559 acres, 45% contained) – Heavy fuels continue to smolder in the fire’s interior. Firefighters today will check the dozer line on the north side of the fire, as well as look for green pockets. Crews could potentially burnout those areas in the next few days once they dry out. They will also put in dozer line on the west side, check and verify the status of the east edge, and tie in with the state.
4. Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire (1,148 acres, 8% contained) – Firefighters will put dozer and hand line along the northeast edge. Containment is expected to be higher tomorrow once crews have checked and secured existing lines. 
5. Cove Mountain Fire (75 acres, 70% contained) – The fire is completely surrounded by handline. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire.
6. New Start at Runions Creek (9 acres) – Firefighters will scout the fire today and work to contain it.

Air attack will begin flying around 2 p.m. today to check the overall situation on the fires.

The cause of the fires is undetermined but under investigation.

Resources 

• 2 Type 1 crews    
• 2 Type 2IA crews       
• 3 Type 1 and 3 Type 3 helicopters     
• 21 engines              
• 5 dozers      
• 282 personnel

Weather 

Today will start with below-freezing temperatures and gusty northeasterly winds which could reach 25 mph. The day will be sunny but cool as a high-pressure system covers the region. Breezy winds will gradually slacken throughout the day. With drier air moving in, relative humidity will slip into the 30% range in the afternoon. Tonight, winds will be lighter. Monday will also be sunny and dry with mainly terrain-driven winds on the slopes and light east winds on the ridges. Temperatures will warm into the 50s.

Fire Behavior 

Full sunshine will dry fuels somewhat today. However, fire danger and potential remain low. Fuels may dry enough for fire to potentially spread at low intensities in the mid-afternoon. Significant fire spread or intensity is not expected. Isolated smokes are likely during the afternoon hours.

Evacuations

No evacuations are in place.

Closures on the National Forests are in effect - see https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/home/?cid=fseprd1169242

Hwy. 211 is expected to reopen at 8 p.m. today.

Smoke and Air Quality

Air quality is currently good. Additional information is available at www.airnow.gov. 

Safety

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, including water drops. If you fly, we can’t. 

Burn Ban

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