PETERSBURG, W.Va.— Five fires which broke out in recent weeks in the Red Creek section of West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness Area are now fully contained according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The first of the fires was discovered September 16th. The four subsequent fires were noticed as fire fighting personnel entered the remote location to battle the first fire. Three of the five fires are blamed on campfires which were not adequately extinguished. The fires were of low intensity and didn’t spread quickly, all were less than an acre in size according the forest service. The process of putting out the fires was complicated because of the possibility of unexploded ordinance in the area leftover from the World War II era use of the region as an artillery range for the U.S. Army. Members of the Army Corps of Engineers worked alongside Forest Service personnel fighting the fire to insure they were protected against the risk of the remaining ordinance.
“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,” said Troy Waskey, Cheat/Potomac District Ranger.
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.
West Virginia’s forest fire season started October 1.
“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,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Dan Anerino. “Also, to pay extra attention to their campfires, charcoal grills and any type of outdoor burning this Fire Season.”