FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in the vicinity of Wades Gap and Webster Corner Road in Callaway to evacuate due to the threat of the large wildfire in the area.
A Code Red message has been sent to all residents within a 5-mile radius of the intersection of Wades Gap and Webster Corner Roads, stating that “Franklin County Public Safety is asking all residents on Wades Gap above Webster Corner Road to evacuate at this time. A shelter will be set up at Monte Vista Church of the Brethren at 25 Wades Gap Road for those who need assistance.”
The Virginia Department of Forestry is currently reporting a wildfire near Wades Gap and Webster Corner Road to be around 50 acres and 0% contained.
The sheriff said that all local first responder agencies are strongly urging residents and visitors to avoid the area for safety and to allow crews the accessibility to respond to the scene.
The sheriff said in a social media post that multiple homes and land are currently being affected.
Please follow Franklin County, VA, and Franklin County Fire and EMS for additional updates into the evening.
WFXR News is working to learn more and will update this story soon.