BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are ferrying water from the lake at Cacapon Resort State Park to the Kessel Fire in Morgan County in an attempt to douse the flames from above.
The fire located on the mountain above the State Park has been burning since Monday. Crews though they had it under control at one point, but high winds pushed embers across the fire lines and rekindled the blaze. Currently the fire has consumed more than 160 to 170 acres and is about 30-percent contained.
Crews from the West Virginia Division of Forestry remain on the scene and are actively working to establish and strengthen fire lines. There are also additional forestry crews from the state of Pennsylvania on hand to assist as well as a number of local volunteer fire departments. According to the latest update from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the backfire/backburn operations conducted along the northwest side of the fire have been successful in containing that section of the fire. Crews are currently planning an additional backburn operation along the northeast side of the fire, weather conditions permitting. These operations are being used as part of the ongoing efforts to establish and strengthen containment lines.
The National Guard helicopter is stationed in Wheeling and is helping with aerial support. Officials say the primary objective is to establish sustainable fire lines and create a secure buffer between the active fire and areas crews are working to protect.
Officials have said there are a number of challenges in this fire. A significant number of standing dead trees remain throughout the affected area. Many of these trees were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer infestation several years ago. These dead trees, along with the substantial amount of dead vegetation and fallen timber on the forest floor, provide additional fuel for the fire. Some of these standing trees are still burning. Crews must carefully address these trees because burned and weakened trees can fall unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard for firefighters.
Fire crews anticipate performing considerable chainsaw work today to safely bring down standing dead and burning trees and clear material necessary for fire line construction. This is extremely labor-intensive work. Trees must be assessed, cut, moved, and cleared while crews continue working to contain the fire. The amount of dead timber and accumulated ground fuels is increasing the workload and the time needed to complete these operations.
The conditions on the ground are not in the fire fighters’ favor. Low humidity, dry weather, warm sunshine, and wind are all working against the crews. Officials are hoping for a break in the forecast which might deliver some rainfall soon.