PENDLETON COUNTY, W.Va. — Fire crews in Pendleton County have been dealing with multiple fires since Tuesday.
Just after noon on April 18, Pendleton County 911 received reports of a wildfire in the Smoke Hole Canyon north of Upper Tract. Multiple fire departments were on the scene including Upper Tract VFD and the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Authorities say the fire started from a downed power line that sparked thanks to a falling tree. The fire burned about 83 acres before it was contained Wednesday afternoon.
Also on Tuesday afternoon, and also started by a falling tree and a downed power line, another wildfire broke out, this one much larger. It happened in the area Hidden Valley west of Franklin off of Smith Creek Road.
The fire has reached over 1500 acres burned, according to Pendleton County authorities. Fire crews from West Virginia and even Virginia and Maryland have been fighting the blaze.
Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Management Coordinator, said operations in the area are likely to continue for several more days.
Downed, dead trees, and diseased trees are contributing to the fire spreading. Gillespie even said the fire had been crowing at the top of 100-foot tall tress.
Gillespie explained that the Forestry personnel decided to construct fire containment lines, allowing the fire departments to protect structures, while the foresters supervise the controlled burning. This is in part due to the wind and forest conditions and the topography. Crews have had the use of three bulldozers constructing fire containment lines.
One cabin was reportedly lost in the fire. No additional structures have been consumed.
“First and foremost, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the dozens of fire fighters and WV Division of Forestry personnel who have answered the call,” Gillespie said. “Their efforts have been nothing short of heroic.”
Gillespie added that he and other firefighters appreciate the support of the community who have been treating the crews with food and drinks during this week of action.
“This is appreciated beyond words and keep our folks moving forward on very little rest,” he said.