West Virginia Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for West Virginia - April 29, 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, low relative humidity dropping into the 15% to 35% range, and gusty winds has prompted widespread fire weather advisories over the past week. 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 95% 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.
• Browning Cemetery Tick Ridge Fire: Located in Wayne County, this fire has burned 222 acres and is currently 96% contained.
• Kelly Live Oak Fire: Burning in Logan County, this fire has reached 204 acres.
• North Fire: Burning in a remote, rugged area of Grant County in the Monongahela National Forest, this fire reached approximately 200 acres and is currently 90% contained. The ground fire has been burning primarily in the "duff layer," which consists of a buildup of organic organic material from leaves, pine needles, and woody debris. It has exhibited active fire behavior with wind-driven runs fueled by hardwood litter.
• Batoff Fire: Located in Fayette County along Route 41, this fire has burned roughly 174 acres and remains active at 50% containment.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: West Virginia is currently in the middle of its statutory Spring Fire Season, which runs from March 1 through May 31. Statewide burn bans and restrictions are actively in effect. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Any fires set during the permitted overnight hours (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.) must be completely extinguished prior to 7 a.m. State law requires a safety strip cleared of all burnable material at least 10 feet wide completely around any debris pile.

Air Quality: Smoke from ongoing fires in the southern counties may cause localized air quality impacts, particularly in low-lying valleys during the overnight and early morning hours when smoke settles. Residents with respiratory issues in Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and Fayette counties should take precautions.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Cloudy conditions with light rain and higher humidity (around 80-90%) are currently moving into parts of the state today, which will temporarily aid ongoing firefighting and containment efforts.
Forecasted Weather: Prior to the current precipitation, Red Flag Warnings were issued across multiple fire weather zones due to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph (with gusts up to 45 mph) and relative humidity dropping as low as 6%. While the immediate forecast brings rain and cooler temperatures over the next 48 hours, residents should remain prepared for rapidly drying 10-hour fuels once the weather clears. Elevated fire danger will return quickly on dry, windy days.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to strictly adhere to burning regulations and hold off on all burning, even within permitted hours, until the elevated fire risk completely subsides. Careless burning practices cause the majority of forest fires in West Virginia. If burning is absolutely necessary during permitted hours, ensure all fires have a 10-foot safety strip and are never left unattended.
Resource Allocation: The West Virginia Division of Forestry is actively monitoring the situation through its Daily Fire Report platform. Local volunteer fire departments and state forestry crews continue to suppress new starts and mop up contained fires. Anyone who causes a fire on grass or forest land due to negligence may be held responsible for the state's suppression costs and face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.