W.Va. Division of Forestry working to contain fires

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Kevin Arnold, a regional forester with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, said fires in the state haven’t been this bad in more than three decades.

“1991 was the last time we had something similar to this. We generally have fires every fire season but not to this magnitude just because of the drought,” Arnold said.

The Cora Volunteer Fire Department in Logan County said they’ve taken 43 calls for brush fires since Halloween. Many counties said the recent rainfall has helped, but Arnold said it wasn’t enough.

“That little bit of wind we had today dried out what little bit of rain we got in this area out completely, so it’s just as dry as it was last Wednesday.”

Arnold said the majority of fires are currently contained, but people should use caution even if the state’s burn ban is lifted.

“We haven’t had significant rainfall in a long time. If you don’t absolutely have to burn something just don’t burn it. Wait until we get some you know some snow or something this winter or whatever and do it.”

Arnold said crews have worked everyday for nearly two weeks with help from local fire departments to create firelines– a barrier created to stop the spread of these fires to local homes and neighborhoods. He said there is still a concern for fires to spread until there is more consistent rainfall.

“We need a couple inches or so to start with to get the groundwater back. All the smaller streams and stuff are dry. Usually by this late in the fall they got a little bit of water in them.”

The Division of Forestry said recent fires in Mingo County still need to be contained and crews from Northern West Virginia will be available to help since they saw more rainfall.

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