Size of Seneca Rocks fire now estimated at five acres

PENDLETON COUNTY, W.Va. — The fire burning at Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County was “not completely extinguished,” but the U.S. Forest Service reported progress Wednesday in putting out the blaze first reported last weekend.

The fire in the Monongahela National Forest that was said to be “creeping around in the leaf litter among the rocks” after cooler temperatures and rain on Independence Day was located on the hillside below the Seneca Rocks hiking trail observation platform.

The trail, observation deck and climbing access points at the popular tourist destination remained closed on Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, the U.S. Forest Service had revised its estimates of the fire size to five acres. Mapping technology was used to make the more accurate assessment. Originally, the blaze had reportedly been affecting 10 to 50 acres.

On Tuesday, fire personnel were mopping up hot spots inside fire lines along the eastern and northern sides of the fire while other firefighters were scouting possible fire line placement on the western and southern sides of the blaze.

The dozens of firefighters on scene were with the U.S. Forest Service from the Monongahela National Forest, George Washington – Jefferson National Forest, Wayne National Forest and Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center.

First responders from the National Park Service’s New River Gorge National River, Seneca Rocks Volunteer Fire Department, Randolph County EMS and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources were also involved.

Witnesses reported seeing illegal fireworks being set off Saturday night near the Seneca Rocks fire site.

On Wednesday, U.S. Forest Service officials had not determined an official cause of the fire.

The Seneca Rocks formation rises nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, according to information from the U.S. Forest Service. It is one of the most well known landmarks in West Virginia.

The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, Seneca Rocks Picnic Area, fishing in the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River and the community of Seneca Rocks remained open for public use.





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