Friday afternoon was a day filled with sunshine until it wasn’t. Smoke filled the air around the Hanging Rock entrance to Rt. 311 and traffic was halted at the circle. Fire had erupted along the road and emergency crews were responding. Traffic began to build and vehicles needed to find another way. The road was closed for several hours and only had one-lane traffic into Friday night.
The fire on Rt. 311 was caused by a fallen power line and was contained within 24 hours. The high winds had actually helped move the fire away from structures with this blaze. The CodeRed service delivered by text the warning of the emergency to registered users at 3:20 p.m. It read: “This message is to alert you that due to the Forest Fire in Roanoke County at Hanging Rock, that area of Route 311 is closed. You will need to take alternative routes leaving or entering Craig County. There is no current estimate of the road opening.” Craig County residents had to find alternative routes back home Friday evening. To register to receive CodeRed notices, visit the Craig County website https://craigcountyva.gov/”
Over the weekend, several other fires in both Roanoke and Craig Counties impacted air quality and travel considerations. The USDA Forest Service posted this notification late Sunday evening in regards to the fire in Catawba, Roanoke County.
“The Brush Mountain Fire is now fully contained- It was a successful day for fire personnel on the Brushy Mountain Fire. Crews were able to secure line around the 482 acres of the fire, reaching 100% containment. Today’s objectives for fire resources included achieving fire control and reducing and mitigating impacts to private property,” according to an announcement.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests’ Eastern Divide Ranger District and the Virginia Department of Forestry have been actively working the wildfire near Brush Mountain Road, approximately three miles south of Audie Murphy Monument. Nearby residents will see visible traces of smoke as the vegetation inside containment lines continue to smolder.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is closed from Craig Creek Road (SR 621) to Miller Cove Road (SR 620) for public safety. The public was asked to avoid the area for their safety and firefighter safety.
Firefighters from the US Forest Service and the Virginia Department of Forestry will continue to staff, patrol and secure fire perimeters on National Forest System lands tomorrow, March 24. For further information, refer to the GWJNF website, follow us on Facebook or contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District at 540-552-4641.
The Virginia Department of Forestry maintains a Daily Fire Danger Rating for six regions. Craig County is in the Western Region office, Salem. The Firewise Communities for Virginia program has valuable information on wildfire prevention. Advice on protecting one’s home and community from wildfires is available on their website at https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/wildfire-preparation/