By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
MONOGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST – The Forest Service announced Sunday, November 9th that the Woodside Fire in the Pendleton County area, south of Circleville, in the Monongahela National Forest is only 60% contained. The initial area of the fire has grown from approximately 50 acres to an estimated 350 as of Saturday, reports said, spread by winds.
The gains were made after days of hard work and moderate rainfall on Saturday, the Forest Service reports. The ground crews took advantage of improved conditions to build additional handlines and dozer lines along the fire’s perimeter and to scout potential contingency lines. With the conditions, air support was not needed, the report said. There are approximately 80 personnel assigned to the incident.
The Forest Service reports that large standing dead trees continue to burn and could reignite nearby fuel. Crews are working to remove these trees and extinguish hotspots near the containment lines and patrolling to make sure that existing lines continue to hold.
If weather conditions persist, crews could conduct burnout operations in the area, which are small, controlled fires intentionally set to remove unburned vegetation between the wildfire and containment lines, the report said. The goal is to deprive the wildfire of fuel and direct spread to previously burned areas, according the Forest Service.
The fire is reported to continue to burn on steep, mountainous terrain in oak and hickory forest. Ground and helicopter crews have been dispatched and water dropping capabilities have been reported on site actively suppressing the fire. However, the Forest Service emphasizes that the safety of fire crews and the public are the top priorities. The Forest Service also reports that dry and windy conditions continue to create elevated fire danger across the area.
The Forest Service said that a Type-2 helicopter with water dropping capabilities was utilized to keep the edge of the fire cool during critical fire weather. Aircraft, it is reported, are to remain in operation with fire crews on the ground continuing to build and reinforce containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. The ground operations are to be supported by engines and hand crews, the report said.
The Forest Service has stated that a Type-2 helicopter with water-dropping capabilities and medical support is onsite at the fire. However, the public is warned that flying drones over the site is prohibited. Drones endanger the pilots and firefighters, the Forest Service states. Should drones be detected near the fire, any air operations supporting the fire will stop, it is reported.
The Forest Service reported that smoke may be visible in the areas of Circleville, Big Mountain, Thornwood, Cherry Grove and the surrounding communities. Motorists traveling through these areas are asked to be mindful as the smoke may shift and affect visibility while driving, according the the Forest Service.
The following area in the National Forest are closed and will remain closed for the public’s health and safety, the Forest Service said: Vance Run Trail, near the Laurel Fork River. The public are asked the stay out of the fire area for the safety of themselves and the firefighting resources. The public is also reminded by the Forest Service that drones are not allowed in the fire area or air operations will stop, the Forest Service stated.
Dry and windy conditions continue to create fire danger across the area, the Forest Service said. Residents and visitors, alike, are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor burning and practice responsible fire safety at all times.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Parsons Volunteer Fire Department Chief and Tucker County Director of Emergency Management reports that there was no call for mutual aid on the Woodside fire.
The fire was initially detected in Pendleton County near the community of Big Mountain on Wednesday, November 5th.
The public is reminded that in West Virginia burning season guidelines state that between October 1st and December 31st, outdoor burning is prohibited during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Burning is permitted between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and any outdoor fires must be controlled, maintained and supervised at all times until completely extinguished by 7 a.m.. No man made materials can ever be burned.
For more information on the West Virginia Burning Season Guidelines, visit https://wvforestry.com/fire-laws.
