One Hardy County brush fire ‘100% contained’

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Officials have provided an update on the current state of the brushfires in West Virginia counties.

According to a post on the United States Forest Service (USFS) George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Facebook page , the Cove Mountian fire, which burned 75 acres of land, is now fully contained, though firefighters are continuing to patrol the area.

The Waites Run fire, which has burned 3,760 acres, is still burning and the amount of fire contained is currently unknown. The release states that firefighters completed work on the east side of the fire and are continuing to work on structure protection on the southwest side. Crews will also be scouting the northeast and east sides of the fire to explore ways to place containment lines.

The release also stated that the Waites Run fire, as well as the Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge fires, have been tied into an existing fuel treatment area, reducing the risk of fire spread.

The fires were discovered on March 20 according to Progress Index and are part of several other brush fires located in West Virginia and Virginia, making up the North Zone Complex. The fires have caused several structure losses and air quality advisories. West Virginia National Guard helicopters are helping to fight these fires as well. On March 21 Gov. Jim Justice placed Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties under a State of Emergency.

The cause of the fires is under investigation.

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