PETERSBURG, West Virginia– All five of the Red Creek Fires are now 100% contained. The Closure Order in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area has been lifted, and all trails have been reopened.
The Fire Ban in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is still in effect due to prolonged drought and will remain in place until weather conditions improve. Gas powered backpacking/camping stoves are allowed in the wilderness area.
The original Fire Ban affecting Red Creek Campground and the Dolly Sods Picnic Area has been modified to allow campfires and charcoal grills in the Red Creek Campground and Dolly Sods Picnic Area.
The original Red Creek Fire was discovered on Friday, September 16, 2016. Four additional fires were discovered by firefighters working on the original wildfire. The wildfires were all small, less than 1 acre in size. The complexity of these fires was magnified by the known existence of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in the area. The Forest Service cooperated with the US Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the area was clear of any UXO so firefighters could safely engage the wildfires. Fortunately, fire activity was low intensity with minimal fire spread. Three of the five wildfires were determined to be human caused due to unattended campfires. The cause of the other two wildfires is still under investigation.
The Forest Service would like to thank the more than 30 personnel that worked on the fires as well as the US Army and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Also, we are grateful for Timberline Ski Resort providing access to the area and the many local business that were instrumental in spreading the word to the area about the fires, Closure Order and Fire Ban.
Troy Waskey the Cheat/Potomac District Ranger said, “We are all relieved to be at the end of this complex fire management incident and we appreciate the support of our communities and partners throughout this event”.
October 1st is the official beginning of the West Virginia fire season. Dan Anerino the Forest Fire Management officer says, “This is a good time to remind forest visitors that this is the beginning of West Virginia’s fall fire season and it has been an abnormally dry season. Also, to pay extra attention to their campfires, charcoal grills and any type of outdoor burning this Fire Season”.
For the latest information on the Red Creek Fires, check the Monongahela Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf/under Alerts & Warnings.
