Petersburg, W.Va. – The North Fire in Grant County continues to grow and is now at 25 acres, with 20 firefighters on the scene. Monongahela National Forest fire managers are bringing in additional fire personnel and a helicopter to assist with managing fire operations.
“We are at the very beginning of fire season,” said District Ranger Troy Waskey. “We urge visitors to please use extreme caution with campfires on the National Forest.”
The North Fire is located in a remote area of Grant County, approximately 12 miles west of Petersburg on the Monongahela National Forest. The fire is burning in rugged terrain near the North Fork Mountain Trail. Fires officials have closed the North Fork Mountain Trail (TR501) to all public entry from the Landis Trail (TR502) to the Redman Run Trail (TR507).
At this time no structures are threatened, but smoke may be visible from roads in the area, especially in the afternoons when temperatures warm. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights, and drive appropriately for the conditions.
For updates on the North Fire, visit the Monongahela National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf/
