West Virginia Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for West Virginia - April 22, 2026

Overview

West Virginia is currently facing an elevated fire risk, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the state. A combination of a dry air mass, unusually warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s, low relative humidity dropping into the 15% to 35% range, and gusty winds has prompted widespread fire weather advisories. The statutory spring fire season is well underway, with approximately 475 fires burning over 3,000 acres across the state since the beginning of the year. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity has been notably high over the last 72 hours, with Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and Fayette counties experiencing a significant number of blazes. Approximately 36% of the fires this spring have been caused by escaped debris burning, while another third have been sparked by trees and limbs falling on remote power lines due to high winds. Firefighters and forestry officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the elevated fire risk persists.

Key Fires:

• Jumping Branch Fire: Located in the southern region, this wildfire reached 420 acres and is currently reported as contained. The rapid spread of this fire was primarily driven by drying 10-hour fuels, dry grasses, dead leaves, and other winter tree litter that easily ignite under the current dry and windy conditions.
• North Fire: Burning in a remote, rugged area of Grant County in the Monongahela National Forest, this fire has reached approximately 200 acres and is currently 90% contained. The ground fire is burning primarily in the "duff layer," which consists of a buildup of organic material from leaves, pine needles, and woody debris.
• Batoff Fire: Located in Fayette County along Route 41, this fire has burned roughly 174 acres and remains active. It poses a risk to significant natural and recreational values, with 39 of those acres burning within the boundary of the New River Gorge National Park. It is exhibiting active fire behavior with wind-driven runs fueled by hardwood litter.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Monongahela National Forest recently conducted prescribed fire operations, including a 2,439-acre burn at the Lockridge Unit in the Marlinton-White Sulphur District, to manage healthier forests and protect local communities from wildfires. Additionally, a new state bill (WV SB886) was enacted this month, establishing a certification program and waiving liability for certified managers conducting prescribed fires on private property.

Burn Restrictions: West Virginia's statutory spring fire season is in effect through May 31. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any debris burning must be confined to the hours between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and must be completely extinguished by 7 a.m.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Over the last 72 hours, a Red Flag Warning was issued for portions of eastern West Virginia (including Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson, Hardy, Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton counties) due to the combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions. Winds out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, with frequent gusts up to 25 mph, combined with critically low fuel moisture (7 to 8%), created an environment where any fire that developed could catch and spread quickly.
Forecasted Weather: While dry and windy conditions have driven recent fire activity, a weather shift is anticipated. Scattered light rain and increased humidity are forecasted across the region over the coming days, which is expected to aid firefighting efforts and help keep most of West Virginia's forest fires in check.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to strictly adhere to burning regulations, particularly during sunny and windy conditions. It is crucial to ensure all fires have a cleared safety strip of at least 10 feet and are attended until completely extinguished. Even during allowable burning hours, if winds are high, forestry officials advise postponing burning until conditions are less volatile.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working diligently to contain remote fires, which are often difficult to access. Agencies are monitoring weather conditions closely and utilizing indirect suppression methods—such as dozer lines and leaf blowers—and ground crews to manage active wildfires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov
West Virginia Division of Forestry: wvforestry.com
National Weather Service Fire Weather: www.weather.gov/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.