BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) – The Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County has grown to more than 11,000 acres, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday, Nov. 12, is now 57% contained. It is located in the James River Face Wilderness and Blue Ridge Parkway. Officials say the fire is being fueled by hardwoods and vegetation.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from milepost 66.3, near US Highway 501, to milepost 85.9, at VA Route 43 until further notice. Park visitors will need to detour from the north or south using adjacent routes and Interstate 81. The James River Face Wilderness and all associated trails, including a section of Appalachian National Scenic Trail, are closed to all public use due to the fire.
On Sunday, firefighters took advantage of favorable conditions and conducted a strategic aerial firing operation south of Glasgow. Meanwhile, crews on the ground have been searching for and extinguishing any “hot spots” in logs, stumps and underground.
There is heavy smoke in communities near the fire area Monday. You can monitor smoke reports at this link. A temporary flight restriction remains in place around the fire area.
You can check for updates on the Matts Creek Fire, and any related closures at this link.
Firefighters are also keeping their eye on the Hercules Fire, a small fire that started on Nov. 19 across the James River. As of Monday, it remained under an acre.