CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties have been placed under a State of Emergency due to “extensive forest fires,” Gov. Jim Justice announced Thursday afternoon.

Multiple large fires are burning across those counties, including one at Waites Run near Wardensville that has destroyed “countless” structures , according to fire departments.

The Fire Information for Rescue Management System map says that the Waites Run fire has burned more than 3,500 acres, which is nearly 5.5 square miles.

Departments from multiple states, including Virginia and Maryland, and from West Virginia counties as far away as Monongalia and Braxton have responded to help fight the series of fires.

Another large fire in Grant County has burned more than 500 acres as of Thursday morning.

The emergency declaration will allow for additional resources to be allocated to those areas which will help protect lives and property, said a release from Gov. Justice.

“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and have various ways to receive emergency alerts. Monitor official emergency management and local media accounts for updates. Follow all instructions received from emergency officials. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately,” the release said.

The Bruceton Brandon Volunteer Fire Department in Preston County is collecting items to send to first responders and victims in the affected counties until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

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Fire departments who are responding to Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton shared the following photos.

In a press release, West Virginia Congressman Alex Mooney (R – District 2) said that the cause of the fires is unknown at this point.

“I applaud the brave firefighters on the front lines of these fires who are doing all they can to contain the fires. I thank the crews from across the state that have made their way to the Eastern Panhandle to assist. These heroes are in my thoughts and prayers,” Mooney said.

Almost all of West Virginia remains under a Special Weather Statement for high fire danger , and some cities and counties have put burn bans in place until the weekend.

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