BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — A fire that burned 50 acres at times Monday in Morgan County was met with the resistance of fire crews from the county and its neighbors.
It started as a a ‘large brush fire’ off Leafy Hollow Lane according to the Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company.
The Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Company reflected early this morning on the team effort yesterday — “Brush 36, Brush 76, and ATV 30 all operated Monday on the 50-acre mountain fire in Morgan County with a total staffing of 6. Units from Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire, Mineral Counties in WV., Washington, Allegany, and Frederick Counties in MD. Fulton, Franklin, and Bedford Counties in PA, and Frederick Co VA all operated on the scene.”
The post from the Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Company says residents in the Sleepy Hollow and Woods Resort communities are not in any danger.
“The fire is on the western side of the Meadow Branch stream which will act as a natural fire break in-between the two ridges in the valley. The fire was contained at the top of the mountain with handmade fire lines that prevented it from crossing over and down the other side,” according to the message.
There maybe heavy smoke conditions, according to the fire department, which advises residents to be aware and keep on the lookout in the days and nights coming for spot fires that may jump the lines.
The West Virginia Department of Forestry is going to continue to monitor the fire throughout the coming days.
If you see fire on the side of the mountain call 911, the post says, “but please do not panic!!!! We believe our residents are safe and out of danger from this fire.”
Meanwhile, the Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company expressed gratitude for the many community members who dropped off donations of food, water, and Gatorade for the fire fighters throughout the day Monday.