2009.02.11
Photos: Fire near Glen Wilton burns between 5-10 acres
Scene from Wednesday's fire. Photo by Kyle Green.
The United States Forest Service regional fire ranger in charge of the Glen Wilton fire this afternoon, had nothing but praise for Botetourt County Fire and EMS and Allegheny County units from Sharon and Iron Gate and the Virginia Department of Forestry for their quick response and excellent work getting the fire off Wood Town Road in the George Washington National Forest under control.
" They did an absolutely stupendous job," Ron Swann said. For pictures click here.
Eagle Rock Rescue workers on site, Tina Keyser, Georgia Knighton and Linda Lamb, said they received the call about 12:45p.m. today and the fire and rescue from there joined Glen Wilton Fire Department at the scene by 1:15 p.m. Other fire departments arrived from Troutville, Blue Ridge and Buchanan thereafter.
Virginia Department of Forestry arrived with the bulldozer housed on the lot at the Botetourt County School bus garage and dozer driver Greg Dunbar along with the volunteer fire fighters established a fire line and brought the blaze under control around 3 p.m. The USFS arrived with teams from the Hot Springs District, the Eastern Divide and Peddler River.
The USFS planned to do what they could to put out the fire this evening before the expected storms and high winds hit the area. Swann asked that people be reminded that fires are easily spread during current weather conditions. "Please be careful and thoughtful about what you are doing where fire is concerned," he said.
"Do not put hot coals outside without stirring them with water to extinguish the coals, be very careful burning trash or brush."
It was one year ago yesterday that over 200 calls for fires and wind damage caused Botetourt EMS to spend a Sunday afternoon putting out fires, dealing with power outages and downed trees. Conditions for tonight, according to Swann's NWS report, call for gust up to 65 miles per hour tonight and 55 miles per hour tomorrow.
"We ended 2008 down nine inches of rain and this year already we are down another inch. Conditions are right for fires to get ourt of hand."
This Eagle Rock firefighter makes his way out of the brush.
Spring burning laws go into effect on Sunday, Feb. 15, and go through April 30.
USFS law enforcement are investigating the start of the fire, which may be of human origin.
We had a previous post about the fire earlier this afternoon.
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That was a terrible and frightening thing--it could have been so much worse! Our wonderful Volunteer County firemen and women deserve a lot of credit for all their hard work,time, efforts and pride they take in their units, year round. Hand in hand with the volunteers at the Rescue Squads in the county and surrounding counties and towns--they make a big difference in our day-to-day lives and we often forget to support them with thanks, praise and our money--after all, they are volunteers who risk thier lives and well being for us, day in and day out. Thank you ladies and gentlemen who do this hard work faithfully and carefully! We appreciate your efforts, time and energy to protect us around the clock.
Gloria and Dale Carter, Buchanan
Comment by Gloria Carter — February 12, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
the glen wilton firefighters are the best firemens and womens out there. I know half of all them firefighters go out here to alot of bad and worse fires that anyone can ever think about. I am proud to say that all of you guys make me proud..
Comment by stephanie esque — March 4, 2009 @ 3:31 pm