Single Publication

Yesterday’s strategic firing operations were successful in bringing uncontrolled fire to a more manageable location within fire control lines where firefighters can safely and effectively manage and monitor the fires. Continued smoke impacts are not expected. 

Individual Fire Updates—14,984 total acres (increase in acres due to yesterday’s successful strategic firing operations)

1. Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire (6,321 acres, 30% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA – Firefighters will continue to patrol and remove snags (dead, standing, hazardous trees) along the containment line they completed yesterday to ensure safety for the public. They will also mop up and patrol the fire today. Uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) will do reconnaissance today to assess the current fire situation.
2. Waites Run Fire (4,909 acres, 42% contained) Hardy County, WV – Yesterday’s successful strategic firing operations brought the fire down to containment lines. Firefighters will mop up and patrol today along existing containment lines. 
3. Capon/Brush Run Fire (2,486 acres, 75% contained) Rockingham County, VA – Firefighters secured a containment line in the southwest corner yesterday. Crews will continue to monitor, patrol and start suppression repair on the fire. 
4. Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire (1,113 acres, 31% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA – Firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the fire today, as well as begin suppression repair. Uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) will do reconnaissance today to assess the current fire situation.
5. Cove Mountain Fire (155 acres, 100% contained) Hardy County, WV – This fire remains in patrol and monitor status. 

The cause of the fires is undetermined and under investigation.

Resources: Resources: 1 Type 1 crew, 9 Type 2 crews, 3 Type 2IA crews, 2 Type 1 and 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 engines, 3 dozers, 292 personnel

Weather 

Light, scattered rain showers will continue today. The heaviest rain will fall on the western fires. Relative humidities will remain elevated with mostly cloudy skies and south to southeasterly winds. Temperatures will be in the mid-50s. Winds at 10-12 mph will shift from southeasterly to northerly late tonight. Tonight brings another chance for scattered showers that will remain in the area early on Thursday. Gusty winds and a return to drier conditions are expected tomorrow.

Fire Behavior 

Significant fire spread is not expected today, although some heat remains on the Waites Run Fire due to yesterday’s strategic fire operations. Elsewhere, cloudy and humid conditions will keep fire danger and fire potential low. There is growing concern for a potentially windy day on Friday. Firefighters will address heat sources near containment lines to help keep fire contained should these winds materialize. 

Smoke and Air Quality

Air quality may decrease today because of yesterday’s strategic firing operations. Additional information is available at www.airnow.gov. 

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

Safety

The temporary flight restriction in place for yesterday’s strategic firing operations has been lifted.

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.