Jackson County fire departments handle Ripley brush fires

UPDATE (9:32 p.m. on August 27, 2024) — According to the Division of Forestry, the Ripley brush fires have been put out. Five acres in total burned. It was also reported that neighbors jumped in to helped.

UPDATE (6:22 p.m. on August 27, 2024) — Ripley Deputy Chief Richie Gobble tells WOWK 13 News that departments from Wood County all the way down to Mason County are providing mutual aid response to brush fires in the Ripley area.

According to Gobble, bulldozers are now on the scene starting to create a fire line. He says some crews are starting to clear out from the scene.

UPDATE (4:22 p.m. on August 27, 2024) — A firefighter on the scene has shared new details on the Ripley brush fires.

Ripley Deputy Chief Richie Gobble told a 13 News reporter on the scene that crews are battling multiple brush fires along the nearby hill. Five to ten acres have burned between the fires so far and one of the fires is up to an acre in size.

The fire started in the garage and caused exterior damage to the nearby house. Crews were able to knock down the fire before it destroyed the house and bulldozers have been brought out to create a fire line.

There is reportedly only eight people on scene after the initial call went out to five departments, and there is trouble in getting volunteer firefighters. Members of the Ripley, Ravenswood, Cottageville, Southern Jackson, Reedy and Spencer Volunteer Fire Departments are currently on scene.

JACKSON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — Jackson County is sending all available fire departments to the site of a brush fire that broke out near Ripley Tuesday.

According to Jackson County Dispatch, the fire began at a residence and garage in the 100 block of Smith Road before spreading into a brush fire. There are no injuries reported at this time.

Stick with 13 News for future updates as this story develops.

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