Elkins, W.Va., March 17, 2021 — Monongahela National Forest plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Middle Mountain, south of Minnehaha Springs, this spring when conditions permit. The purpose of this burn is to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat (especially for eastern wild turkey), and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

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King Fire Final Update: March 23, 1200 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 11,728 acres
Containment: 100% 
Cause: Power line

This fire has been transferred to local resources to monitor.

Texas A&M Forest Service fire investigators determined the cause of the fire was due to a power line.  

King Fire Update: March 21, 1700 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 11,728 acres
Containment: 100% 

Two TIFMAS Engines assisted in patrol of the King Fire today due to concern of some smoldering in the fire interior. Crews addressed areas of concern and report fire is looking good.   

King Fire Update: March 20, 1800 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 11,728 acres
Containment: 100% 

Resources put in significant effort in mop up today and the . Patrol of the fire will continue but containment is at 100%.  

King Fire Update: March 20, 1300 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 11,728 acres
Containment: 95% 

Resources are on scene this morning scouting the fire perimeter. Containment lines look good. Crews will continue patrolling and improving areas of concern. 

Weather: Dry air persists today with light winds. Fuels of heavy grass and brush have been cured by February's hard freeze, which could support wildfire growth and spread.  

King Fire Update: March 19, 2200 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 11,728 acres
Containment: 95% 

The King Fire is now 95% contained at 11,728. TFS resources will return in the morning with local resources to check containment lines and determine if any further action is needed.  

King Fire Update: March 19, 2030 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 10,700 acres
Containment: 70% 

Operations are going well and making good progress. Forward progression has been stopped. Tonight crews and heavy equipment will continue constructing containment line and improving fire perimeter. Containment is at 70%. 
 
Weather: Low relative humidity values and light to moderate north-northeast winds are expected today. Fuels are thick grass and brush. Drought conditions persist in the area with the above normal grass fuel load having been cured by February's hard freeze. 

King Fire Update: March 19, 1700 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 10,700 acres
Containment: 30% 

Firefighters continue fire suppression and containment operations on the King Fire. The fire is primarily fuel driven with minimal winds. Heavy grass and brush are present. The fire grew approximately 700 acres outside the original containment lines, bringing total acreage to approximately 10,700. Heavy equipment continues to work along the flanks. Firefighters conducted a successful burnout operation on the south side of the fire to secure the edge and slow progression. Additional heavy equipment was requested.
 
Weather: Low relative humidity values and light to moderate north-northeast winds are expected today. Fuels are thick grass and brush. Drought conditions persist in the area with the above normal grass fuel load having been cured by February's hard freeze. 

King Fire Update: March 19, 1300 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 10,000 acres
Containment: 10% 

Local resources have reported the King Fire has moved outside of containment lines and have requested TFS resources return to the fire. Texas A&M Forest Service heavy equipment, TIFMAS Strike Team, and overhead are responding to assist.  
 
Weather: Low relative humidity values and light to moderate north-northeast winds are expected today. Fuels are thick grass and brush. Drought conditions persist in the area with the above normal grass fuel load having been cured by February's hard freeze. 

King Fire Update: March 18, 1800 hours
Location: Brooks County, east of Encino
Acreage: 10,000 acres
Containment: 100% contained

Firefighters worked through the day to complete containment lines using heavy equipment and mop up areas of concern. The fire is now 100% contained and will be transferred to local resources to monitor.