BY CHRIS LAWRENCE
MOOREFIELD — Three major forest fires continued to burn in Hardy County Thursday afternoon.
West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Jeremy Jones identified them as the Grace Mountain Fire, which is about 600 to 700 acres. Several structures have already been burned down and more are being threatened by the blaze.
“There’s a pretty large subdivision involved where this fire is. We’re assessing these structures and trying to defend them as best we can,” Jones told MetroNews.
Residents of those homes have been told to evacuate.
The other major fires were the Moore Run Fire, which was just over a thousand acres and also had structures burned down, and more were threatened. The third fire Jones branded the Moss Run Fire. However, as of Wednesday night, firefighting crews from the U.S. Forest Service on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests took over the blaze. Federal authorities renamed the fire, which is also over a thousand acres, the Capon Fire.
“I know the big fires out in California get all of the national media attention, but the event we had over here is exactly what they get out there, with high winds and low humidity. I haven’t had any reports of injuries or fatalities, which is a miracle,” he added.
Weary crews from volunteer fire companies across Hardy, Grant, Hampshire, and Pendleton Counties have spent long hours trying to keep up with the fire and are nearing the point of exhaustion. Jones said along with planning the best way to surround and attack the ongoing fires, they’re also working to manage personnel.
“Several adjacent counties are sending resources over. As an agency, I’m bringing in folks from the southern coalfields, which is odd because usually we’re sending people down there to help. As of right now, we’re still assessing and the National Guard is an option, and if we need them they’re always available,” Jones said.
Conditions improved some on Thursday from the height of Red Flag conditions on Wednesday. Winds had died down, but the relative humidity remained low and there were sunny skies and dry conditions. The next anticipated rainfall is Friday night into Saturday, until then fire crews will try to hold their own.
Jones could not say what caused the fires, other than to note all were of human origin since there was no lightning in the area. Some may have been the result of numerous downed power lines but Jones said it was also possible debris burning could have gotten out of hand. An investigation into each fire’s cause is underway. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office is assisting with the investigations.
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