Its NOT over yet!

With every raindrop an end to our Spring Wildfire Season draws closer and closer HOWEVER it is not over as evident by a significant wildfire near Buena Vista. the info below was provided by the incident information folks and the pictures were provided by folks on the fire or obtained from WBDJ TV 7

Overview:  The Elephant Fire is located on Elephant Mountain, just east of Buena Vista, Virginia.

Estimated Acreage:  Approximately 250 acres

Containment:  33% contained                            

Operational Plan:  For Tuesday, April 16, 2013, firefighters will construct containment lines and extinguish hotspots along the south and east sides of the fire.  Efforts will continue to secure the rocky northeast portion of the fire.  Additional interior mop-up will continue along the west side of the fire.  Rehabilitation work will begin today on dozer lines created near structures in Buena Vista.  

Fire Cause:  The Elephant Fire was initially reported at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2013.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Resources on the Fire:  Approximately 140 firefighters and support staff, including two Type 1 Hotshot Crews, one Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, two dozers, five engines, and a helicopter are assisting with the Elephant Fire.

Closures:  No closures at this time

Cooperators:  Virginia Department of Forestry, National Park Service, Buena Vista Fire Department

Fire Weather:     

·        Tuesday Weather:  Cloudy and damp with occasional drizzle this morning, then becoming partly cloudy. High 78 degrees. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Minimum humidity, 62%.

·        Tuesday Evening Weather: A few clouds. Low 58 degrees. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Maximum humidity, 84%.

·        Wednesday Weather:  Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Warm. High 81 degrees. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Minimum humidity, 57%.

General Fire Information:

·        Safety of the public and firefighters is always the number one priority when dealing with wildfires.

·        Over one mile of dozer line was completed on the west end of the fire to protect approximately 30 homes.  Rehabilitation of this line will begin on Tuesday.  No structures have been lost or damaged.

·        Smoke from the Elephant Fire may continue to be visible in Buena Vista and surrounding areas for several days.

·        Homeowners can learn how to make their homes less susceptible to wildfires by visiting:  www.firewisevirginia.org

For updated information any media requests should be made by contacting Michael Williams, Public Information Officer:  (540) 525-1539

Now is not the time to get complacient and forget all that Smokey has taught us including obeying all local and state burning regulations. We still have approximately 2 weeks left in what is refered to as the 4PM Law   http://www.dof.virginia.gov/info/faqs-burning.htm

When this law goes out May 1st this is when we traditionally call an end to our Spring Wildfire Season however you must still pay attention to the weather and local conditions BEFORE planning any outdoor burning.

thanks

SMOKEY