By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
The fire that has raged in the Monongahela National Forest in Pendleton County near the community of Big Mountain since November 5th, has been 85% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The announcement was made November 14th in an update to media.
The gains have been attributed to the snowfall last week that saw several inches fall in the area and containment line construction by fire crews. The Forest Service said that firefighters have been able to resume work in the area after the weather conditions passed.
“Most active burning has ceased, though crews continue to patrol and monitor the area for isolated heat pockets within the fire perimeter,” the Forest Service said.
Efforts have now shifted to continuing mop up and patrol operation with a focus on extinguishing any remaining hot spots, the Forest Service said, as well as repairing any damage to the land caused by wildland firefighting efforts. These efforts will include work to stabilize areas of disturbed soil to prevent future erosion and the removal of excess equipment from the are to help the area recover from firefighting activities.
The Forest Service said that while the fire is nearly out, a forecast of high winds and low humidity in the next several days could cause smoldering materials to reignite. Those in the area may occasionally see smoke from interior pockets of unburned vegetation, the Forest Service said.
“While resources have begun leave the Woodside Fire to go to other assignments or return home, firefighting personnel will remain on site to ensure public safety and natural resource protection,” the Forest Service said.
With the continued smoldering material in the fire, the Forest Service reports, smoke may continue to be a hindrance for motorists in the area. Smoke may continue to be visible in the area from time to time within the containment area and motorists have been asked by the Forest Service to use caution on roads near the fire area where emergency personnel may still be present.
The Vance Run area of the National Forest remains closed to the public and the closure order will remain in effect until December 31st or until rescinded by the Forest Service. The purpose of the closure order is to protect the public health and safety, the Forest Service said, until such time as fire suppression and repair activities have been completed.
“Trail use on this section is unsafe due to active wildland fire in the area and due to ongoing wildland fire suppression and repair activities,” the order states.
The order also states the violation of the order is punishable by a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
