Governor calls state of emergency for ongoing brush fires in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued a state of emergency on Thursday in response to several wildfires that are continuing to spread near the state’s Eastern Panhandle.

The state of emergency, according to a news release from the governor, applies specifically to Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties. It comes as the National Weather Service on Thursday announced that dozens of counties and cities throughout the state are facing increased fire danger due to dry vegetation and lowered levels of humidity.

“Please exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks,” the special weather statement directed. “Dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable materials in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.”

Under West Virginia law, outdoor burning is prohibited across the state from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during all of March, April and May. Per the NWS, overnight burning — while legal — is “highly discouraged” at this time because of the increased fire risk.

The brush fires began earlier this week. According to social media posts, fire departments from several surrounding counties have been called in to help control the flames in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton counties.

Around 11 a.m. Thursday, the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, in Grant County, said fires there had burned through about 500 acres in the region, with about 30% of the fire contained at that time. Fire crews worked through the night on Wednesday to gain control of some of the burning.

In Hardy County, the Bruceton Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department — which sent crews in from Preston County to help control fires — said on Facebook around noon Thursday that “countless” structures had already burned while firefighters worked in the afternoon to control flames at 14 other structures.

The Bruceton Brandonville VFD urged residents who are able to consider donating supplies, including bottled water, nonperishable foods, blankets, towels and cleaning supplies for those affected by the fires.

With the state of emergency declaration, state and local governments will be able to utilize other resources to help control and recover from the damage caused by the fires. Residents affected by the brush fires are urged to monitor their local emergency management offices and media for updates and information.

If you are told to evacuate, according to the governor’s release, do so immediately.