BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Update:
Botetourt County Officials provided an update on wildfires that crews were battling Wednesday.
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According to officials, BOCO Fire and EMS provided support for two separate wildfires occurring on opposite sides of the county.
A fire located along Route 460 was fully within Bedford County. BOCO Fire and EMS assisted by deploying multiple units to support the incident, as needed. Additional details regarding that fire are being handled by Bedford County officials.
The second wildfire was located near the Botetourt-Craig County line within the U.S. National Forest. Botetourt units have been monitoring the fire since early Wednesday morning until U.S. Forest Service resources arrived. The location and terrain pose no immediate threat to nearby residents or homes.
The U.S. Forest Service is serving as the lead agency for the incident. It is encouraged to avoid any type of open burning and be extremely careful with anything that generates a flame or spark until winds subside.
Botetourt County Fire EMS personnel and the Virginia Department of Forestry are responding to multiple brush fires in the county this afternoon, with assistance from Blue Ridge, Eagle Rock, Fincastle, and Troutville Volunteer Fire Departments. Crews are responding to active incidents in multiple areas of Botetourt County, including the Blue Ridge and Oriskany areas.
Dry conditions and shifting winds are contributing to higher fire danger today, and even small fires may spread quickly under these conditions. Botetourt County fire departments are urging residents to refrain from outdoor burning until conditions improve.
We will update you with more information as it becomes available.