Size: 385 acres
Containment: 75%
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 continued to make progress yesterday, increasing containment of the Woodside Fire to 75 percent. Crews took advantage of precipitation that significantly moderated fire behavior to build additional handline and dozer line along the fire’s perimeter. The safety of firefighters and the public are the top priorities.
Planned Actions: Despite the anticipated precipitation and cold temperatures today, firefighters will continue to monitor the fire to be sure all containment lines are holding. Given the significant efforts over the weekend and expected weather, there is a very low probability of fire spreading today. Crews will continue to patrol and extinguish any remaining hotspots as road and trail conditions allow for safe access, and will begin rehabilitating the land following wildfire suppression efforts. Firefighters and crews will begin to return any unneeded equipment and demobilize to return home.
Tomorrow, the fire management team responsible for the Woodside Fire will transfer command of the fire back to the local Forest Service and Division of Forestry offices. Incident commanders, Jesse Holguin and Gabe Templeton, and would like to thank the Pendleton County Office of Emergency Management, local responders, and the community for their support during this wildfire.
Following today, updates will transition to every other day. Additional information about the fire can be found on Inciweb or the Monongahela National Forest Facebook page.
Public Safety: Although fire activity has lessened, smoke may still be visible in Circleville, Cherry Grove, Big Mountain, and surrounding communities. Motorists should use caution, as they may encounter emergency vehicle traffic on roadways.
Weather Forecast: A cold front moves in on Monday with temperatures peaking at 28 degrees, with a low of 14. Snow showers likely, mainly after 1pm. West wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high of 29. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
Closures: The Vance Run Trail, near the Laurel Fork River, remains 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. Flying drones near the fire area is still prohibited.
