BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Two wildfires continue to burn in the Jefferson National Forest near Oriskany, with the Bald Mountain fire covering approximately 2,000 acres along the Botetourt-Craig County line, according to Botetourt County officials.
Several forest service roads are now closed for firefighter and public safety:
- Forest Service Road 180 (Lignite Mine Road) from Route 615 to Route 617 in Botetourt County
- Forest Service Road 179 (Bald Mountain Road)
- Forest Service Road 181 in Craig County
Daniel Murray, Botetourt County Emergency Manager, first detected the fires Wednesday morning during a drone flight, immediately alerting federal officials. The fires are burning in the Eastern Divide Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest.
A multi-agency response is underway, with resources from the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, and local fire departments on scene. Current firefighting resources include:
- Four 20-person crews
- Eight engines
- Three helicopters
- Two Super Scooper aircraft
The second fire, known as the Lignite fire, covers approximately 130 acres. Neither fire is contained at this time, officials said…