Wednesday, the worst was the eastern panhandle. Numerous fires, several of them well over 200 acres were burning in the region, especially in parts of Grant and Hardy Counties. Overnight, several buildings were also threatened by the fast moving blaze spurred by low relative humidity and constant winds.
“The worst of it was in Grant, Hardy, Hampshire and Pendleton counties. Several structures burned as these forest fires moved through,” said Robbie Bailey, Chief Deputy of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office on the West Virginia Morning News.
Division of Forestry personnel are on the scene and a number of volunteer fire crews from north central West Virginia are travelling to the eastern panhandle to help local crews tackle the fires. Bailey said overnight the Fire Marshal’s office also worked with the state’s Emergency Management agency to move more fire fighters into the Potomac Highlands areas for today.
“Today will be all about assessment of the damages, but unfortunately, the conditions seem to be the same today,” he added.
The National Weather Service says the potential for fire danger continues today with low relative humidity, windy conditions, and warm sunshine. The next chance for any measurable rainfall is set for Friday night into Saturday.