Single Publication

Current Status:  The Matts Creek Fire is 5 miles southeast of Glasgow, Virginia and 5 miles northwest of Big Island, Virginia.  The fire is located south of US-501 and the James River within the James River Face Wilderness on the Jefferson National Forest. The entire fire is on National Forest lands.

Estimated Acreage:  15 acres

County:  Bedford County

Containment:  0% contained 

Date and Cause Reported: The fire was reported on Sunday, November 12, 2023.   The cause of this fire is undetermined.  

Resources on the Fire:  Approximately 40 firefighters and support staff, 1 type-6 engine and 2 Type 1 helicopters.  

Restrictions and Closures:  The following areas are temporarily closed to allow for public and fire fighter safety: 

• Appalachian Trail (FT #1) from James River Foot Bridge to Petite’s Gap Road (FR #35)
• James River Foot Bridge Parking Lot
• Matts Creek Trail (FT #4/Old A.T.)

Use caution and obey all road signs for your safety. Motorists should be alert for firefighter vehicles and smoke. 

General Fire Information: 

• Safety of the public and firefighters is always the number one priority when dealing with wildfires.
• Homeowners can learn how to make their homes less susceptible to wildfires by visiting:  www.firewise.org 

For fire updates:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/vavaf-matts-creek-fire

Visit forest information visit the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests website www.fs.usda.gov/gwj or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GWJNF