US Forest Service: Rain helps in Castle Fire efforts

PETERSBURG. W.Va. — Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say rain has helped in fighting the Castle Fire in the Monongahela National Forest.

The fire remains at 95 percent contained. Firefighters are keeping the fire east of Smoke Hole Road.

Incident Commander Peter To said one-quarter of an inch of rain has fallen in the burn area since Tuesday.

“The fog layer that covered the area this morning is ideal for fire suppression. The fog keeps the relative humidity high, which is ideal for fighting the fire,” he said in a statement.

The fire began April 14. After periods of rain, it began spreading on April 20.

Firefighters were dispatched Wednesday to scout and prep the southern contingency lines.





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