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Amherst : Mount Pleasant Wildfire Update : Good Progress Being Made (11.27.16 – 9:30 AM)

Tommy
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Amherst : Mount Pleasant Wildfire Update : Good Progress Being Made (11.27.16 – 9:30 AM)
Photo courtesy of Debbie Wilson - Lukey Photography - Piney River, Virginia : A firefighting helicopter and crew take off after dipping water from Thrashers Lake earlier this week to battle the wildfires in Amherst County, Virginia
Photo courtesy of Debbie Wilson – Lukey Photography – Piney River, Virginia : A firefighting helicopter and crew take off after dipping water from Thrashers Lake earlier this week to battle the wildfires in Amherst County, Virginia

Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Scenic Area / Thrasher’s Creek Community
Amherst County, Virginia

The progress continues against a wildfire in Amherst County that’s been burning for a week now. In all over 11,000 acres has been torched. Some of that purposely set by firefighters to contain the fire and bring it under control.

Below is the verbatim Sunday morning update from the USFS:

Don Pyrah, Fire Information Officer
Containment: 65%
Location: Mount Pleasant Scenic Area, Thrasher’s Creek Community
Start Date: Saturday November 19th, 2016 approx. 06:15 PM
Type of Incident: Wildfire
Size: 11,200 Acres
Cause: Unknown
Protection: Amherst County
Ownership: USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Resources: Engines 19, Hand Crews 2 Type 2, 17 Type 2IA and IA Modules, Bulldozers 2, Helicopters 3,Overhead Personnel 60, Total Personnel 273

MOP UP OPERATIONS CONTINUE

Community Meeting is scheduled at the Pedlar Fire Department at 7 pm this evening

Firefighters strengthened and held containment lines during yesterday’s wind event. Resources on the south side of the fire continued providing structure protection in the Thrasher Creek drainage, and continued mop-up operations. Resources on the east side continued to secure control lines towards the Indian Creek drainage while providing structure protection in Scotts Branch drainage and Indian Creek. Resources on the north side continued to strengthen and hold control lines in that area. On the west and southwest sides, resources continued to secure control lines and continue mop-up. Those resources also provided structure protection along State Routes 634 and 635.

Today all fire resources will continue providing structure protection, patrolling containment lines and mop-up. There is an Initial Attack group available for new starts in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest.

Road Closures:
· North Fork Road (SR 635) closed at Panther Mountain (FR #1286)
· Thrasher’s Creek Road (SR 617) is closed at Molly’s Mountain due to firefighting activities. Local traffic will be permitted
· The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is temporarily closed due to fire activities. All roads and trails within the Scenic Area are temporarily closed including
· Wiggins Spring Road/Hog Camp Gap Road (FR #48) is closed from the junction at State Route 634 (Coffeytown Road) through to Salt Log Gap
· Coon Bridge Road (FR #1167)
· Cow Camp Road (FR #520)
· Fletcher Mountain Road (FR #507)
Trail Closures:
· Appalachian National Scenic Trail (FT #1) from Long Mountain Wayside to Salt Log Gap
· Old Hotel Trail (FT #515)
· Henry Lanum Trail (FT #702)
· Mt. Pleasant Trail (FT #704)

Nelson : Nellysford : Saturday Morning Fire Destroys Home – Then Starts Brush Fire

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Nelson : Nellysford : Saturday Morning Fire Destroys Home – Then Starts Brush Fire
Photo : Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : An early Saturda morning fire on Deer Run Drive jost north of Nellysford kept firefighters busy as they battled the home blaze and then a brush fire that spread into the nearby forest. November 26, 2016
Photo : Captain RW Woody : Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : An early Saturday morning fire on Deer Run Drive just north of Nellysford kept firefighters busy as they battled the home blaze and then a brush fire that spread into the nearby forest. November 26, 2016

Deer Run Drive
Near Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Forestry and local fire crews were busy early Saturday morning around daylight when a home in the 800 block of Deer Run Drive just outside of Nellysford caught fire. That fire then quickly spread into the nearby woods causing a brush fire that required the Virginia Department of Forestry to respond with local fire departments to contain the blaze.

The Saturday morning fire comes after a relentless week of crews already fighting wildfires across the area due to extremely dry conditions and high winds last weekend.

“No one was injured in this blaze, but the home looks to be a total loss,” Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets told BRL Saturday afternoon.

Both the house fire and the accompanying brush fire were under control within a few hours.

Nelson : Firefighters Get Praise For Hard Work

Tommy
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Nelson : Firefighters Get Praise For Hard Work
Dan Lee, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Madison Heights thanks firefighters for their work battling wildfires over the past week in Lovingston. Lee, a former police officer, offered words of encouragement as the crews mop up operations in Nelson over the next day or so the meeting was held Friday night - November 25, 2016 at the Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department in Lovingston.
Dan Lee, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Madison Heights thanks firefighters for their work battling wildfires over the past week in Lovingston. Lee, a former police officer, offered words of encouragement as the crews mop up operations in Nelson over the next day or so. The meeting was held Friday night – November 25, 2016 at the Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

After working endless days and nights for the past week, and straight through the Thanksgiving holiday, area firefighters working a wildfire near Lovingston finally see the end in sight. The fire was officially 100% contained late Thursday night. Over the next day or so crews with finish up their operations on the Eades Hollow fire that started last weekend.

US Congressman Elect Tom Garrett’s office and Pastor Dan Lee from Grace Baptist Church in Madison Heights were on hand at a meeting Friday night at the LVFD to express their thanks for all of the hard work done to bring the wildfire under control.

Andrew Pullen, an aid from U.S. Congressman Elect Tom Garrett's office was on hand expressing the congressman's thanks for all of the efforts during the last week. Friday - November 25, 2016 - Lovingston, Virginia
Andrew Pullen, an aid from U.S. Congressman Elect Tom Garrett’s (currently VA State Senator) office was on hand expressing thanks for all of the efforts during the last week. Friday – November 25, 2016 – Lovingston, Virginia

Garrett currently serves as a state senator in Virginia, but was elected to the US House and will take office in January.

Firefighters also learned they will be recommended for a Congressional Commendation once the session starts.

Amherst Wildfire Update : 11,000 Acres Now Consumed – 45% Contained – (11.25.16 – 10:00 PM)

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Amherst Wildfire Update : 11,000 Acres Now Consumed – 45% Contained – (11.25.16 – 10:00 PM)

Photo courtesy of Debbie Wilson - Lukay Photography - Piney River, VA : Smoke rises in the background as a large forestry helicopter climbs across the area to dump water on the blaze at the Mount Pleasant wildfire in Amherst County, Virginia
Photo courtesy of Debbie Wilson – Lukay Photography – Piney River, VA : Smoke rises in the background as a large forestry helicopter climbs across the area to dump water on the blaze at the Mount Pleasant wildfire in Amherst County, Virginia
Mount Pleasant Scenic Area
Thrasher’s Creek Community
Amherst County, Virginia

Late Friday night updates now put the affected area at 11,000 acres. Much of the increase was due to controlled burns performed by the USFS to help manage the fire. 

Additional details midmorning Saturday. 

Early AM Friday 11.25.16
Some better news the day after Thanksgiving. Though the wildfires in Amherst County have grown to take in around 7200 acres, the blaze is now 30% contained. Fire crews worked throughout the day and evening on Thanksgiving.

Below, the verbatim Friday morning update from the US Forest Service:

Don Pyrah, Fire Information Officer
Containment: 30%
Cause: Unkown
Location: Mount Pleasant Scenic Area, Thrasher’s Creek Community
Protection: Amherst County
Start Date: Saturday November 19th, 2016 approx. 06:15 PM
Ownership: USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Type of Incident: Wildfire
Size: 7200 Acres
Engines: 13
Hand Crews: 2 Type 2, 16 Type 2IA and IA Modules
Bulldozers: 3
Helicopters: 3
Overhead Personnel: 53
Total Personnel: 252
Public Meeting Tonight 11/25/16 – Pedlar Fire Hall 7:00 p.m.

We want to thank the tremendous outpouring of support from the local residents affected by the fire. Their generosity towards our firefighters was nothing less than humbling. Please consider directing future donations to your local food pantry or the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Our needs have been more than met due to your generosity. We thank you!

Yesterday, resources on the south side continued providing structure protection in the Thrasher Creek drainage, kept fire north of the dozer lines and continued with mop-up operations. Resources on the east side continued to secure control lines towards the Indian Creek drainage, and continued north. Structure protection in Scotts Branch drainage and Indian Creek also continued. Resources on the north side and northwest sides of the fire began constructing control line and looked for opportunities to control the fire off Forest Service Road 520 and County Road 750 from the west to Hog Camp Gap. On the west side of the fire resources began securing control lines from the west toward County Road 635 providing structure protection along that route. Night operations continued with resources assigned to patrolling the fire edge around structures and extinguishing hot spots. There is an Initial Attack group available for new starts in the George Washington, Jefferson National Forest.
Today, resources on the south and east and north sides of the fire will continue to strengthen control lines, mop-up, and patrol. Resources on the north and west sides of the fire will be providing structure protection for homes along State Route 634 (Coffeytown Road) and State Route 635. Resources will be continuing firing operations to secure control lines in those areas. Night operations will continue this evening monitoring existing established control lines.

Firing operations are conducted to remove unburned vegetation within the fires perimeter that could later ignite and spread. Conducting this type of operations when conditions are appropriate and safe lowers the fires potential to burn with great intensity.

Wildfire Update : Nelson : Lovingston : Fire Consumed About 1600 Acres : Under Control (11.25.16)

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Wildfire Update : Nelson : Lovingston : Fire Consumed About 1600 Acres : Under Control (11.25.16)
Virginia Department of Forestry trucks are lined up at the Command Post on Eades Lane Thanksgiving morning with smoke hanging in the air. The battle again a wildfire that started last weekend continues on Thanksgiving day. November 24, 2016.
Virginia Department of Forestry trucks are lined up at the Command Post on Eades Lane Thanksgiving morning with smoke hanging in the air. The battle against a wildfire that started last weekend continues on Thanksgiving day. November 24, 2016.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Late Thursday evening the wildfire in Lovingston was finally 100% contained. Lovingston VFD & Nelson County Emergency Services posted the following statements on their Facebook pages:

Original post 11.24.16 11:27
Since our first update on Thanksgiving morning, here, we have learned more about the fire that jumped a line overnight Wednesday and what the emphasis will be for Thursday.

“The fire is about 75% contained and has taken in approximately 1600 acres as of a briefing I had with the Virginia Department of Forestry this morning. More fire lines going in still today. And a priority will be protecting homes and property,”

Nelson County’s Emergency Services Director Jaime Miller tells BRL.

Map via VDOF : A map showing the general area affected by the Eades Hollow fire that began last weekend. The fire has now consumed about 1600 acres just before noon on Thanksgiving Day 2016.
Map via VDOF : A map showing the general area affected by the Eades Hollow fire that began last weekend. The fire has now consumed about 1600 acres just before noon on Thanksgiving Day 2016.

Director Miller also tells us, “People traveling along 29 and those in Lovingston will see smoke and workers along US 29 in area of Country Lane, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Eades Lane, and points north. Volunteers are in standby for home protection if needed, and will be ready to respond. Crews will be working diligently to contain the fire today.”

BRL will continue updating this story all day.

Amherst : Mount Pleasant Wildfire Update : Has Grown To 6485 Acres

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Amherst : Mount Pleasant Wildfire Update : Has Grown To 6485 Acres

Photo by Debbie Wilson - Lukay Photography - Piney River, Virginia : A chopper hovers over water in Amherst County to draw up water used in fighting the Mount Pleasant wildfire.
Photo by Debbie Wilson – Lukay Photography – Piney River, Virginia : A chopper hovers over water in Amherst County to draw up water used in fighting the Mount Pleasant wildfire.
Mount Pleasant / Thrasher’s Creek Community
Amherst County, Virginia

Our special thanks to Debbie Wilson of Lukay Photography in Piney River, Virginia for sharing her amazing images of the fire and the battel to control it.

The battle against a wildfire that’s now consumed over 6400 acres continues on this Thanksgiving Day in Amherst County, Virginia. In their Thursday morning update the USDA Forest Service says 226 personnel are on the scene working the fire.

Photo by Debbie Wilson - Lukay Photography - Piney River, Virginia : Smoke rises from the Mount Pleasant wildfire late Wednesday. - November 23, 2016. The fire has now consumed over 6400 acres as of Thanksgiving morning.
Photo by Debbie Wilson – Lukay Photography – Piney River, Virginia : Smoke rises from the Mount Pleasant wildfire late Wednesday. – November 23, 2016. The fire has now consumed over 6400 acres as of Thanksgiving morning.

Below is the USFS morning update verbatim:

Thursday, November 24, 2016, 9:30
Don Pyrah, Fire Information Officer
Location: Mount Pleasant Scenic Area, Thrasher’s Creek Community
Start Date: Saturday November 19th, 2016 approx. 06:15 PM
Type of Incident: Wildfire
Size: 6,485 Acres
Containment: 10%
Cause: Unkown
Protection: Amherst County
Ownership: USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson, National Forests
Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Engines: 12
Hand Crews: 2 Type 2, 7 Type 2IA and IA Modules
Bulldozers: 3
Helicopters: 3
Overhead Personnel: 48
Total Personnel: 226

Yesterday firefighters, engines, dozers and aircraft worked to strengthen existing control lines utilizing firing operations in south and east portions of the fire. Firing operations were conducted on the southwest corner of the fire to secure protection of homes along the North Fork Road (SR 635). Firefighters successfully caught slop over on the north side of the fire during the mid-day. An early morning inversion delayed aircraft usage until late morning.

Today resources on the south side of the fire will continue structure protection in the Thrasher Creek drainage, keeping fire north of the dozer lines and continuing mop-up operations. Resources on the east side of the fire will continue to secure control lines towards the Indian Creek drainage. They will also provide structure protection in Scotts Branch drainage and Indian Creek. Resources on the north side and northwest sides of the fire will begin constructing control line and will scout for opportunities to control the fire off Forest Service Road 520 and County Road 750 from the west to Hog Camp Gap. On the west side of the fire resources will secure line from the west toward County Road 635 providing structure protection along that route. Night operations will continue with resources assigned to patrolling the fire edge around structures and extinguishing hot spots. There is an Initial Attack group available for new starts in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest.

Firing operations are conducted to remove unburned vegetation within the fires perimeter that could later ignite and spread. Conducting this type of operations when conditions are appropriate and safe lowers the fires potential to burn with great intensity. Through the crews hard work the fire moved to 10% containment Tuesday evening.

The fire was first reported Saturday November 19, 2016. Amherst County, Virginia Department of Forestry, and US Forest Service firefighters were the first to respond and did great work while waiting for other resources to arrive. The Department of Natural Resources Conservation County Assist Team, Incident Commander David Hamilton assumed management of the fire Monday evening. The team is working with local, state and federal partners to implement a full suppression strategy to put the fire out as safely and quickly as possible. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority.

History on the fire by clicking here.

Nelson : Lovingston : Fire Jumps Line Overnight : Crews Continue Work Thanksgiving Day To Contain

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Nelson : Lovingston : Fire Jumps Line Overnight : Crews Continue Work Thanksgiving Day To Contain
Photo By John Mckeithen : Fire continus burning on Peebles Mountain just behind St Mary's Catholic Church just north of Lovingston, Virginia Thursday morning November 24, 2016. A fire line previously set at Buzzard's Rock by forestry crews was jumped overnight.
Photo By John Mckeithen : Fire continus burning on Peebles Mountain just behind St Mary’s Catholic Church just north of Lovingston, Virginia Thursday morning November 24, 2016. A fire line previously set at Buzzard’s Rock by forestry crews was jumped overnight.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Not what people living near Lovingston wanted to hear, but Wednesday night a line that had been created to stop the spread of the a fire on the mountainside above town jumped the break.

“The fire has jumped the fire line this evening, news that none of us wanted to hear, but that’s what we are facing this evening and going into tomorrow,”

Jaime Miller, Nelson Emergency Services Coordinator said in a post Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile if you can help these men and women out by dropping off some food. Please do. Make it a great Thanksgiving for them!

Here’s how below.

We will had additional updates throughout this Thanksgiving Day.

WILDFIRE UPDATES : Latest Maps Showing Area Of FIres In Nelson & Amherst

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WILDFIRE UPDATES : Latest Maps Showing Area Of FIres In Nelson & Amherst
Mt. Pleasant wildfire area map via Virginia Department of Forestry. Click on image above to enlarge.
Mt. Pleasant wildfire area map via Virginia Department of Forestry. Click on image above to enlarge.

Mt. Pleasant
Amherst County, Virginia

BRL was the first news outlet to break the information last weekend about the massive wildfire that’s been sweeping across the Mt. Pleasant and Thrasher’s Creek areas of Amherst County. As of Wednesday morning 4400 acres has been affected with only 5% contained.

Below is the latest release from the US Forest Service as of Wednesday morning:

Current Status: The Mount Pleasant Fire is located on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests within the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area in Amherst County, VA approximately 12 miles northwest of the town of Amherst.
Counties: Amherst County, VA
Estimated Acreage: 4,400 acres
Containment: 5%
Cause and Date Started: The cause of this fire is under investigation. The fire was first reported at approximately 5:30 PM on Saturday, November 19, 2016.
Resources on the Fire: 122 firefighters and support staff including engines, dozers and three aircraft are assigned to this incident with additional resources being mobilized.
Cooperators: Virginia Department of Forestry and Amherst County
Use caution and obey all road and trail closures for your safety.
Road Closures:
North Fork Road (SR 635) closed at Panther Mountain (FR #1286)
Thrasher’s Creek Road (SR) 617 is closed at Molly’s Mountain due to firefighting activities. Local traffic will be permitted
The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is temporarily closed due to fire activities. All roads and trails within the Scenic Area are temporarily closed including
Hog Camp Gap Road (FR #48) from Hog Camp Gap to Salt Log Gap
Coon Bridge Road (FR #1167)
Cow Camp Road (FR #520)
Fletcher Mountain Road (FR #507)

Trail Closures:
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (FT #1) from Long Mountain Wayside to Salt Log Gap
Old Hotel Trail (FT #515)
Henry Lanum Trail (FT #702)
Mt. Pleasant Trail (FT #704)

Plans for Today: Firefighters have begun line construction efforts in addition to structure and property protection. Additional firefighters are being mobilized to assist with the fire suppression operations.
Public meeting is scheduled for this evening at the Central Baptist Church in Arrington at 7 pm.
Fire weather: Lighter winds are forecast for today which should continue to aid in fire containment efforts. Fuel conditions remain dry. There is a slight possibility of showers later this evening.
Other Fire Information: The top priority of fire managers is firefighter and public safety.
Driving visibility may be limited in the fire vicinity due to smoky conditions.
Area residents and visitors may smell smoke overnight and for several days.
There is currently a fire ban on the entire George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

Please take donations to firefighters to the Pedlar Fire Department at 4893 Lexington Turnpike.
We appreciate the public’s concerns for the safety of our firefighters. We are equally concerned for the public’s safety as well. We continue to work with local residents to minimize impacts to their homes and properties. We are requesting that non-residents respect those property owners and avoid the area.

Additional Information:
Inciweb: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov
Firewise: www.firewise.org

Near Lovingston
Nelson County, VA

Eades Hollow area wildfire map courtesy of Virginia Department of Forestry.
Eades Hollow area wildfire map courtesy of Virginia Department of Forestry. Click on image to enlarge.

The Eades Hollow fire that’s been underway since last Sunday night is now said to be fully contained (as stated in an email we received Wednesday just before noon – but local authorities say they are being told it’s 70% contained) though smoke continues to rise from that location. The fire near Lovingston has affected 1207 total acres as of Wednesday morning, according to VDOF.

Nelson : Lovingston : Eades Hollow Wildfire Update : Photo Updates 3PM

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Nelson : Lovingston : Eades Hollow Wildfire Update : Photo Updates 3PM
Photo Courtesy of Frank Wood : Fire continues burning on the mountainside above St. Mary's Catholic Church just north of Lovingston around noon Tuesday - November 22, 2016.
Photo Courtesy of Frank Wood : Fire continues burning on the mountainside above St. Mary’s Catholic Church just north of Lovingston around noon Tuesday – November 22, 2016. The fire originally started on the other side in Eades Hollow on Sunday night – November 20, 2016

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

As we first reported in this post from Sunday evening, a wildfire has been burning on the mountainous area in Eades Hollow just north of Lovingston.

Tuesday just before noon, Nelson County’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jaime Miller went to the scene to get updates. The Virginia Department of Forestry is in charge of the scene.

Here’s Jaime’s update, verbatim, below:

“I have just returned from the Command Post from speaking with Martha and other Senior DOF officials on site regarding the Eades Lane fire. The fire is currently 450 acres and 20% contained. The fire advanced up Peebles Mountain overnight, and crews are working to establish the line up and over that area this morning. As you know, Peebles Mountain is directly visible from the town of Lovingston and that is increasing the visibility and public interest of the fire.

There are currently no significant threats to any homes in the area, and fire managers are confident that evacuations will not be necessary and that the current actions will protect all homes adjacent to the fire.

VDOF will have a Public Information Officer working from the Incident Command Post of the fire around mid-day today, to better respond to the local need for fire related information. As previously stated, VDOF already has crews on scene working to establish fire lines up and over the area this morning and they will have additional crews arriving later today to assist in the efforts.

If you need further information please feel free to let me know and I will do my best to obtain it for you.

Jaime D. Miller
Emergency Services Coordinator
County of Nelson”

AMHERST WILDFIRE UPDATE : Now Just Under 3000 Acres : O% Contained : Updated 4:12 PM (Photos)

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AMHERST WILDFIRE UPDATE : Now Just Under 3000 Acres : O% Contained : Updated 4:12 PM (Photos)
The latest release from the US Dept Of Forestry in Roanoke regarding the Mt. Pleasant wildfire in Amherst County, Virginia. Click image to enlarge.
The latest release from the US Dept Of Forestry in Roanoke regarding the Mt. Pleasant wildfire in Amherst County, Virginia. Click image to enlarge.

Mt. Pleasant
Amherst County, Virginia

BRL first broke the story of the Amherst wildfire over the weekend in this story.

Information released early Tuesday morning on November 22, 2016 reveals the wildfire on Mt. Pleasant in Amherst County has consumed 2700 acres so far.

Additional Update at 11:20 AM to include community meeting Tuesday night. (scroll for that update)

“Wildfire Burning in Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
Buena Vista, Va. – November 22 – The USDA Forest Service is working with the Virginia
Department of Forestry to contain a wildfire burning on the George Washington National Forest
and private land in and around the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area in Amherst County. A
Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team arrived last evening and was in briefed for the fire.
The fire is being managed under a unified command between Incident Commanders David
Hamilton and Virginia Department of Forestry Incident Commander Steve Counts.

The fire is estimated to be 2700 acres in size. Strong winds and low humidity contributed to the
rapid spread of the fire on Sunday. More favorable conditions are forecast for the next couple of
days which should be beneficial to firefighters struggling with containment efforts.

Firefighters continue to build hand and dozer lines to contain the fire. Helicopters are assigned
to the fire and are dropping water within the priority areas as needed. Additional ground
firefighting resources are continuing to arrive at the Incident Command Post which is located at
the Buena Visit Work Station.

Thrasher’s Creek Road (SR) 617 is closed at Molly’s Mountain due to firefighting activities.
Local traffic will be permitted.

As a result of the fire the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area has been closed to public entry including the following roads and trails:
 Hog Camp Gap Road (FR #48) from Hog Camp Gap to Salt Log Gap
 North Fork of Buffalo Road (FR #51)
 Coon Bridge Road (FR #1167)
 Appalachian Trail (FT #1) from Long Mountain Wayside to Salt Log Gap
 Old Hotel Trail (FT #515)
 Henry Lanum Trail (FT #702)
 Mt. Pleasant Trail (FT #704)
 and trailheads associated with these trails.
– more –

The fire was discovered on Saturday evening. The cause is under investigation.

There is currently a fire ban on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests to maintain public safety and protect forest resources during extreme drought.

Building, maintaining, or
using a fire, campfire or stove fire is prohibited on National Forest lands outside of developed recreation areas. For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Ranger District office or visit the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/gwj.

A public meeting has been scheduled for the evening at the following location at 7 pm.

Central Baptist Church
103 Central Church Lane
Amherst, VA”

Monday evening Amherst County BOS Claudia Tucker siad she felt the fire was well in excess of 2000 acres at that time.

More updates as we have them.

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