2009.01.01
Update on the Poor Mountain fire
Here is an update from Jennifer Conley Sexton of Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, sent this morning:
Poor Mountain Brush Fire is about 90% Contained
January 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Roanoke County) - Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department continues to battle a brush fire on the 221 side of Poor Mountain.
* Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department was dispatched to a smoke report call yesterday afternoon in the Ridgelea Road area. Crews had to hike the mountain above Whitlows Auto Crushers, off of Ridgelea Road, to try and assess where the fire was spreading.
* Today, the department has approximately 15 personnel on scene made up of career and volunteer personnel. The Virginia Department of Forestry has about 17 personnel on scene, along with a bulldozer.
* Fire Officials now believe they have the fire about 90% contained and will begin back burning efforts before noon today. Residents in the area may see additional fire and smoke, but should not be concerned.
* Crews have now determined that approximately 20-30 acres have burned.
* No homes are in immediate danger at this time. There are several small hunting cabins in the fire area that most likely will be lost.
* Fire investigators are still trying to determine what started this fire.
Another update will be provided this afternoon unless something significant happens before then.
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Earlier posts about the brush fire include:
* Slideshow of photos from Poor Mountain fire from Chris Hale
