WSLS News Staff
Published: March 29, 2008

Updated 7:40 p.m.

The fire has now grown to 4,405 acres according to the Forest Service. Crews say the fire is now 65 percent contained.

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Updated 5:00 p.m.

The Forest Service says the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway closed by the St Mary’s Fire was reopened at 3 p.m.

The section of Route 56 from the intersection of Route 608 up the the Blue Ridge Parkway reopenED at 5 p.m.

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Updated 2:22 p.m.

The U.S Forest Service tells us the fire has scorched more than 4,060 acres Saturday. Crews say the fire is about 30 percent contained at this point.

There are more than 130 firefighters on the scene, one helicopter, six engines and two bulldozers to help get the fire under control. Crews are working today to improve the containment lines and continue mop up along Route 56.

The Forestry Service says they hope to have it fully contained by Monday.

Crews say that Route 56 from the intersection of Route 608 to the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as crews work along Route 56. All trail and trail-heads in the St. Mary’s area are closed until further notice. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from Route 56 north to Mile Post 16 (Love Gap).

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Updated 10:15 p.m.

Friday night at a town hall meeting, people living near the Raphine wildfire heard what’s being done to protect them. It was standing room only as Incident Commander Glen Stapleton explained how crews are fighting the wildfire and trying to keep homes out of danger.

Stephanie Vita lives near the fire.

“You can see a helicopter go over, but you really can’t see the work that they’re doing, but definitely they say they have it under control so I’m going to go do my normal thing tonight and rest a little bit better,” she said.

Officials say they don’t know what caused the fire. It’s only 20 percent contained.

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Updated 9:57 p.m.

Today pictures of fire taken by WSLS viewer Sherri Strader:

Today picture of fire taken by WSLS viewer Robert Lucas:

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Updated 6:07 p.m.

A wildfire burning in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has doubled in size. On Tuesday evening, it burned 1,300 acres and overnight spread to 2,700 acres in Augusta and Rockbridge Counties. Officials said the wind on Thursday night is one of the main reasons for the large spread.
“There were wind changes, and it unexpectedly moved around, so we’re backing westward to State Route 56,” said Al McPherson, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.
McPherson said the fire isn’t endangering anything on Route 56. They’re just using it as a reference point to contain the fire.
For those living in the area, they knew the wind wouldn’t help.
“And last night it started up, the wind started up, and that was a scary feeling,” said Gail Scott.
Luckily for them, crews are standing guard near the homes in that neighborhood in case the flames get out of control. Officials are also using special suppression techniques to control the fire. One helicopter dropped small spherical fire igniters near the homes. It’s done only when wind conditions are right, blowing away from the homes.
Officials said they don’t know the cause of the fire and it will be difficult to find. McPherson said there are very few trails near the area where they think the fire started. Therefore, it would be hard for people to get there to start any fires. Also, he didn’t’ think there were any lighting strikes the day the fire started.
For now, crews are more concerned about mapping out a plan to fight the fire, which is now 20% contained. But John Scott is comfortable as long as crews are working to guard his house.
“The cavalry has arrived, so it’s all good,” John said.
Because of the fire, crews have closed Route 56 from the intersection with Route 608 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. All trails and trailheads in the St. Mary’s wilderness are closed until further notice. Also, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from Route 56 north to mile post 16.
A public meeting will be held at the Vesuvius Community Center at 6:30 p.m.

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Original story posted 12:07 p.m.

The raging wildfire burning on the Rockbridge and Augusta County line has more than doubled in size.

The U.S Forest Service tells us the fire has scorched more than 2,700 acres as of Friday morning It was at 1,300 acres Thursday morning.

It’s burning in the George Washington Jefferson National Forest, and is not near any homes yet.

Fire crews say the fire burned over Groahs ridge, and is now visible from Route 56. Drivers on Interstate 81 could see huge plumes of smoke rising from the fire both Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, officials have closed part of Route 56 to adjust their plan to deal with the growing fire. The road is closed from its intersection with Route 608 to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A public meeting is scheduled tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Vesuvius Community Center. It is located on Cashmill Place near the intersection of Route 56 and South River Road in Vesuvius.

Safety officers are also asking the public not to park along Route 608 tonight to watch the fire. They say it is dangerous for the those parked along the road and also for firefighters.

Firefighters say they have the flames about 20% contained.