Size: 385 acres
Containment: 60%
Cause: Under Investigation
Fire Information:
Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wvmof-woodside-fire
Monongahela NF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF
Current Status and Resources: Firefighters increased containment of the Woodside Fire to 60 percent after days of hard work and yesterday’s moderate rainfall. Crews took advantage of improved conditions to build additional handline and dozer line along the fire’s perimeter, and to scout potential contingency lines. Aircraft support was not needed yesterday but remains available today if needed. Approximately 80 personnel are now assigned to the incident. The safety of firefighters and the public are the top priorities. This wildfire continues to be managed under unified command with the State of West Virginia and the USDA Forest Service.
Planned Actions: Firefights will continue to construct hand lines and dozer lines and prepare contingency lines. While fire activity has decreased, large standing dead trees continue to burn and could reignite nearby fuels. Crews are working to remove these hazard trees that threaten containment lines. They are also extinguishing hotspots near the containment lines and patrolling to ensure existing lines continue to hold. Firefighters that worked the night shift on Friday will transition to the day shift to provide additional support. Weather permitting, crews may conduct burnout operations—small, controlled fires intentionally set to remove unburned vegetation between the wildfire and the containment lines. These strategic operations help strengthen containment by depriving the wildfire of fuels and directing its spread into already burned areas.
Public Safety: Although fire activity has lessened, smoke may still be visible in Circleville, Cherry Grove, Big Mountain, Thornwood, and surrounding communities. Motorists should use caution, as they may encounter emergency vehicle traffic on roadways. Dry and windy conditions continue to create elevated fire danger across the area. Follow all West Virginia burning season guidelines, which state that between October 1 and December 31, outdoor burning is prohibited during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weather Forecast: On Sunday, cloudy skies will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 58 degrees. Winds west, southwest at 10 to 20 mph. Sunday night may bring some snow showers, low of 29 degrees. A cold front moves in on Monday with temperatures peaking at 34 degrees. Winds west to northwest at 10 to 20 mph. Sunday night will be a low of 20 degrees with a 60 percent change of snow. 1-3 inches is expected.
Closures: The Vance Run Trail, near the Laurel Fork River, is closed for the public’s health and safety. Public are asked to stay out of the fire area for safety of themselves and firefighting resources. For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area.
