Today, Cleveland NF fuel crews on the Descanso Ranger District, are continuing to burn 60 acres of piles off Bear Valley Rd south of Pine Valley. Residents and visitors may see smoke from Old Hwy 80, the I-8 and surrounding communities. We ask the public not to call 911 if smoke is seen in the area. 

The North Zone Complex covers five wildfires in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and on state and private land in West Virginia and Virginia. They are: Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 Fire, Waites Run Fire, Capon/Brush Run Fire, Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire, and Cove Mountain Fire. Command of the North Zone Complex has been transferred to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor. 

Fire Update - Monday April 1, 2024

Current Status: Command of the North Zone Complex is assigned to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor.  Cove Fire will be patrolled until declared out.  No further suppression or repair needs at this time.  Capon, Waterfall Mountain, Edith Gap and Waites Run resources will continue to monitor and patrol fire lines. Continuation of suppression repair will occur as needs are identified. Firefighters continue to remove snags, address other safety concerns, and continue to secure containment lines.  Fire and insect weakened trees continue to fall within the fire-scar. Road conditions have deteriorated due to rainfall and equipment traffic.

Individual Fire Updates: 15,977 total acres 

1.    Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA
        -    6,399 acres; 98% contained 
2.    Waites Run Fire in Hardy County, WV 
        -    6,223 acres, 100% contained
3.    Capon/Brush Run Fire in Rockingham County, VA 
        -    2,368 acres, 100% contained
4.    Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA 
        -    832 acres, 95% contained
5.    Cove Mountain Fire in Hardy County, WV
        -    155 acres, 100% contained

Resources: 6 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2IA crew, 1Type 3 helicopter, 8 engines, 2 dozers and 145 personnel. 

Date and Cause Reported: The fires were reported on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and Thursday, March 21, 2024. The causes of the fires are undetermined.  

Weather: Today partly to mostly cloudy skies and a wetting rain from showers and thunderstorms likely. Showers are likely with a chance for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday. A series of strong cold fronts will cross Wednesday through Thursday. Gusty winds and drier air will move across the area behind the storm on Wednesday. High pressure will return Friday.            

                       
Closures: For the protection of public health and safety, and for the protection of resources, please respect area, road and trail closures.  Check the George Washington and Jefferson website for the full list of closures. www.fs.usda.gov/gwj 

Advisories: 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. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke and Air Quality:  Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov

General Fire Information:  
•    Homeowners can learn how to make their homes less susceptible to wildfires by visiting:  www.firewise.org   

•    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. 

Today, Cleveland NF fuel crews on the Descanso Ranger District, are continuing to burn 10 acres of piles off Bear Valley Rd south of Pine Valley. Residents and visitors may see smoke from Old Hwy 80, the I-8 and surrounding communities. We ask the public not to call 911 if smoke is seen in the area. 

Final update from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team

Tomorrow at 8 a.m., the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Command Team will transfer command of the North Zone Complex to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor. All of the fires in the North Zone Complex are currently in the mop up and patrol phase. Today firefighters will look for hot spots, remove snags and address other safety concerns, and continue to secure containment lines in light of today’s forecast for high winds and fire danger.

“I thank all of the federal, state, county and local cooperators who have worked side-by-side with us to get the fires to their current condition. We could not have done it without their efforts and support,” said Incident Commander Debbie Beard. “We also want to thank the local communities for their hospitality and for making us feel more than welcome to the area. And we continue to keep those who lost homes or structures during this tragic event in our thoughts and hearts.”

Our team members and the crews, firefighters and other resources leave their families to travel across the country to work on incidents like this every year. It’s what we do. We are proud to have been a part of containing these fires and, hopefully, providing the people who live here a sense of security and the ability to return to their normal lives,” Beard continued. “I feel confident that the incoming team will do an excellent job continuing to contain these fires and conduct the every-important suppression repair.”

Thank you again for welcoming us into your communities. We wish you all well,” she said.

Individual Fire Updates—16,040 total acres

1. Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire (6,399 acres, 92% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA
2. Waites Run Fire (6,223 acres, 75% contained) Hardy County, WV 
3. Capon/Brush Run Fire (2,422 acres, 95% contained) Rockingham County, VA 
4. Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire (841 acres, 76% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA
5. Cove Mountain Fire (155 acres, 100% contained) Hardy County, WV The cause of the fires is undetermined and under investigation.

Resources 

Resources assigned to the fire include 1 Type 1 Crew, 9 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2IA crew, 1Type 3 helicopter, 8 engines, 2 dozers and 210 personnel. 

Weather 

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the area today. From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., northwest winds will range from 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Relative humidities are expected to drop into the 15-25% range. In addition, elevated fire danger is forecast due to a combination of high winds and low relative humidity. 

Fire Behavior 

Elevated fire danger today! Strong winds are expected from the west/northwest. Fuels will gradually dry during the day, and by early afternoon should be readily available to carry fire. Any loose, uncontained fire will likely display aggressive fire behavior during the afternoon burning period. Expect rapid rates of spread uphill, with persistent short-range spotting. Fire will likely be difficult to suppress during peak burning period.   

Smoke and Air Quality

Air quality 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. 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.

Fuel crews on the DRD conducted a prescribed burn off Bear Valley Rd, accomplishing 11 acres of piles. We want to thank our partners from the Modoc National Forest for assisting with fuel projects over the past few weeks. Their assistance, along with other forests throughout the region, allows us the opportunity to get this important work done. These projects are funded in part by the President's Inflation Reduction Act, which is part of confronting the wildfire crisis.

Today, Cleveland NF fuel crews on the Descanso Ranger District, with assistance from firefighters from the Modoc NF, are burning 30 acres of piles off Bear Valley Rd near Long Valley Rd south of Pine Valley. Residents and visitors may see smoke from the I-8 and surrounding communities. We ask the public not to call 911 if smoke is seen in these areas. 

Individual Fire Updates—16,040 total acres (increase in acres due to previous strategic firing operations)

1. Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire (6,399 acres, 87% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA – Firefighters will continue to patrol and remove snags (dead, standing, hazardous trees) along containment lines to ensure public safety. They will continue to mop up and patrol the fire today.
2. Waites Run Fire (6,223 acres, 75% contained) Hardy County, WV –Firefighters will mop up and patrol today along existing containment lines. 
3. Capon/Brush Run Fire (2,422 acres, 95% contained) Rockingham County, VA – Firefighters will continue to monitor, patrol and conduct suppression repair on the fire. 
4. Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire (841 acres, 76% contained) Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA – Firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the fire today, as well as continue suppression repair.
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 assigned to the fire include 1 Type 1 Crew, 9 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2IA crew, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 engines, 3 dozers and 243 personnel.

Weather 

Drier air will begin to move over the complex area today with gusty northwesterly winds expected behind a cold front. The incoming cooler and drier airmass will hold temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s with relative humidity dropping down into the 30-40% range. There is a low chance for rain over the complex area mainly toward the eastern fires as a storm system tracks up the East Coast. This storm will bring a mostly cloudy day with some peaks of sun possible later in the day. Behind the coastal storm, incoming cool and dry air will create even gustier westerly winds, especially on the ridges and low relative humidity on Friday under sunny skies.

Fire Behavior 

Significant fire spread is not expected today. However, fuels will begin to dry considerably, especially if the sun comes out. Fire movement could be possible during the afternoon in a sunny, exposed location. Special attention should be paid to any containment line that has unburned fuel between the fire’s edge and containment line. A potentially windy day on Friday means that firefighters should address heat sources near containment lines/pockets of unburned fuel. Fuels will dry during the day today and be readily available on Friday.

Smoke and Air Quality

Air quality 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. 

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

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.

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.

Seeley Lake Ranger District: Firefighters will conduct up to 6 acres of hand pile burning today and tomorrow to reduce hazardous fuels from previous vegetation management operations. Pending conditions, the pile burning will take place 2.5 miles northwest of Seeley Lake. Smoke may be visible from Seeley Lake and Highway 83 north.

Ninemile Ranger District: Firefighters will conduct up to 5 acres of hand pile burning located one mile north of the Ninemile District Office in Huson, MT. Smoke may be visible from the Ninemile Valley.

Current Map of Pile Burns 

For the protection of public health and safety, and for the protection of resources, the following acts are prohibited due to fire suppression activities on the North River and Lee Ranger Districts, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia.

• Being on a National Forest System Trail when closed by a sign, gate or barricade. 36 CFR 261.SS(a)
• Operating, leaving, possessing, or parking a motor vehicle on any road when closed by a sign, gate, or barricade. 36 CFR 261.54(e)
• Being in the area of closure by pedestrian or horseback. 36 CFR 251.53(e)
• Being in the area of closure by non-motorized or wheeled conveyance (bicycle). 36 CFR.54(a)

The North River and Lee Ranger Districts and the following roads and trails are also closed:

Great North Mountain Area Trails

• FST # 1013.1Tuscarora Trail -Three Ponds Tr.
• FST # 1013.3 Tuscarora Trail - County Line Tr. South from SR 55 South FST # 1103.2
• FST # 1013.2 Tuscarora Trail - Pond Run Tr.
• FST # 1014 Wilson Cove Tr.
• FST # 400 Vances Cove Tr.
• FST # 405.4 Tuscarora Trail - Little N. Mountain Tr. to SR 600
• FST # 902 Gerhard Shelter Tr.
• FST # 1003 Halfmoon Jr.
• FST # 1003 Halfmoon Lookout Tr.
• FST # 1004 Mill Mountain Tr. Closed north from FST # 1004A Big Schloss Tr.
• FST # 1007 Long Mountain Tr. Closed north FSR 1621 (Cherry Ridge)
• FST # 1014 Wilson Cove Tr.
• FST # 1029 Capon Tr.
• FST # 1030 Bucktail Tr.
• FST # 1030A Bucktail Connector Tr.
• FST # 1036 Racer Camp Hollow Tr.
• FST # 1037 Old Mailpath Tr.
• FST # 1038 German Wilson Tr.
• FST # 400 Vances Cove Tr.
• FST #414 Sulphur Springs Tr.
• FST # Little Sluice Tr.
• FST # 398 Little Sluice Mountain
• FST # 411 Bread Road Tr.

Shelters and Cabins

• Gerhard Shelter Closed
• Sugar Knob Cabin Closed

Forest Service Roads

• FSR 93 Vances Cove Road
• FSR 371 Wilson Cove Road
• FSR 1614 Sugar Hollow Road

Central Massanutten Mountain

• FST # 408 Massanutten National Recreation Trail S from Habron Gap Tr. (#559) and FST # 408 Massanutten National Recreation Trail S. From Edinburg Gap
• FST # 408A Kennedy Peak Tr.
• FST # 458 Stephens Tr.
• FST # 407 Lions Tale National Recreation Trail
• FST # 409 Gap Creek Tr.
• FST # 409A Jawbone Gap Tr.
• FST # 555 Scothorn Gap Tr.
• FST # 642 Massanutten Story Book Tr.
• FST # 644 Discovery Way Tr.
• FST # 645 Wildflower Tr.
• FST # 410 Massanutten Connector Tr.
• FST # 416 Massanutten South Tr.
• FST # 416B Birds Knob Tr.
• FST # 519 Brown Hollow Tr.
• FST # 582 Roaring Run Tr.
• FST # Pitt Springs Lookout Tr.
• Taskers Gap and Peters Mill Run Off Highway Trail System

Forest Roads

• FSR 274 Crisman Hollow Road
• FSR 374 Edinburg Gap Road
• FSR 375 Pitt Springs Road
• FSR 1618A

Bergton Area

Blue Hole Recreation Area

Forest Roads

• FSR 302 to 302 intersection
• FSR 302A
• FSR 302.Al
• FSR 302E