The West Virginia National Guard has stepped in to help battle wildfires that have spread across more than 6.25 square miles in the state, destroying homes and causing widespread devastation. Using Blackhawk helicopters equipped with water buckets capable of holding up to 630 gallons of water, the Guard is working to contain the fires in Hardy County, where the fires initially broke out earlier in the week due to gusty winds and low humidity levels. Additionally, fires have also been reported in neighboring states like Virginia and Maryland, prompting West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice to declare a state of emergency in several northeastern counties.
The National Guard has expressed its commitment to supporting efforts to combat the wildfires until the danger has passed, working alongside local responders and volunteer fire departments from across the state. Hardy County, located near the Virginia border and in close proximity to Washington, D.C., is home to around 14,000 residents and a variety of agricultural operations and tourist attractions. Unfortunately, the fires have already destroyed multiple homes in the county, along with other structures and hunting grounds. Emergency management director Paul Lewis noted that some of the fires are still active and causing significant smoke in the area.
In response to the wildfires, West Virginia regulators have issued an air quality advisory in eight counties, warning that sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues may experience breathing difficulties due to the fires. The Division of Air Quality is closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the smoke and ash in the air. The hope is that expected rainfall will help suppress the fires and improve air quality conditions in the affected areas.
Efforts to contain and extinguish the wildfires continue with the help of additional equipment and personnel that may be deployed as needed. The National Guard remains committed to protecting the residents of West Virginia and working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community. As the situation unfolds, authorities are urging residents to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with emergency response efforts to mitigate the impact of the wildfires on the affected counties. It is a challenging time for the region, but with collaboration and support from various agencies, there is hope for containment and eventual recovery from the devastation caused by the fires.
