Poor Mountain fire expected to grow to 890 acres

WSLS News Staff
Published: June 13, 2008

The fire burning on Poor Mountain has a lot more room to grow.

The Virginia Department of Forestry says the fire doubled in size again overnight, and they expect it to get to 890 acres if their containment lines hold.

Those containment lines are not fully finished, due to the steep terrain and manpower issues.

As of Friday morning, the Assistant Regional Forester Denny McCarthy says the fire is about 75% contained. McCarthy says the department does not expect full containment today. McCarthy says they face challenges on the southern and western breaks of the mountain.

McCarthy also expects the fire to smoke, smolder, and be visible for at least a week. He hopes to use special ping-pong like fireballs to drop into areas that crews cannot easily get to, to help backburn and eat the fuel for the fire.

Two helicopters will help fight the fire today. The plane that was used Thursday, will not be used today. McCarthy says the crews working the containment lines now have a second bulldozer to help them.

McCarthy expects a second, full-time job corps crew from the Forestry Dept. to arrive and go to work on Saturday. Right now, McCarthy says part-time crews from Roanoke, Pulaski Co., Montgomery Co., Franklin Co., Botetourt Co., and Bedford Co. are helping fight the fire.