By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County Fire & EMS provided assistance throughout last week as firefighters worked to contain two separate wildfires on opposite sides of the county. The county provided updates throughout the week via social media keeping residents informed about local support.
The county shared on social media Monday that, according to the U.S Forest Service – George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, the Bald Mountain Fire grew to approximately 2,983 acres and, as of Monday morning, was 65% contained, while the Lignite Fire has burned around 174 acres and is 90% contained. Botetourt County Fire & EMS is no longer directly assisting with firefighting efforts on federal land, but the department said it will continue to share any updates it receives regarding containment and ongoing management of the fires.
“We supported the response for about 36 hours with a tanker and brush unit and personnel, and then we provided an ambulance for about three and a half days to staff with EMS,” Botetourt County Fire & EMS Chief Jason Ferguson said when asked about the response. “Our Emergency Manager supported the incident throughout the weekend and remained the local liaison with Federal resources.”
Photos courtesy of Daniel Murray
One of the fires, located along Route 460, was confirmed to be fully within Bedford County. Botetourt units responded with multiple crews and apparatus to support Bedford County officials as needed. All further details regarding that incident are being handled by Bedford County Fire & EMS.
The second wildfire was located near the Botetourt–Craig County line within the Jefferson National Forest. Botetourt County units monitored the fire early Wednesday morning until U.S. Forest Service resources arrived on scene. Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, officials said the fire did not pose an immediate threat to nearby residents or homes. The U.S. Forest Service is the lead agency managing this incident, and anyone seeking additional information may contact the Forest Service Ranger District Office at 540-552-4641.
Fire & EMS officials continue to urge residents to avoid open burning and to be extremely cautious with anything that could generate a flame or spark while dry, windy conditions persist. Fall is an especially dangerous time for wildfires due to dry leaves, low humidity, and gusty winds.
By last Thursday morning, Botetourt County crews were continuing to assist with suppression efforts in the Jefferson National Forest between Botetourt and Craig Counties. Around 7 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters had responded to a brush fire near Bald Mountain and Oriskany. After confirming the fire’s location on national forest land using aerial drones, a second fire was discovered about two miles away. High winds and low humidity fueled rapid growth throughout the day and overnight.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, fire officials reported that the Lignite Fire had burned approximately 127 acres and was now largely contained. The Bald Mountain Fire, however, had expanded significantly—from roughly 380 acres at sunset Wednesday to about 1,648 acres Thursday morning—and continued to spread. Crews remained on scene working to slow the blaze’s advance and protect nearby areas.
One hunting cabin was threatened but remained protected, and no other structures were at risk. Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are involved in the response, led by the U.S. Forest Service. Additional out-of-state support and several helicopters have joined the effort, which officials said would continue for several days.
Residents across Botetourt County may continue to smell smoke as prevailing winds carry it through the area. Future updates will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service
The department wants to remind everyone that it’s fall fire season, so be extremely careful of burning outdoors. Fresh leaf litter, low relative humidity, winds, and dry conditions make for rapid fire growth opportunity.
For more information, please visit botetourtfireems.org or https://dof.virginia.gov/ for more information.
