FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Fire crews have made significant progress in containing the Wades Gap brush fire, containing about 70 percent of its entirety. As conditions improve, they will begin to demobilize.
Franklin County Fire & Emergency Medical Services (EMS) predict the fire affected between 550 and 600 acres, after starting at just around 50 acres.
First responders from all over the area have worked nonstop to contain it, and while the western flank is completely contained, they are still working on the eastern side.
“This has been a large, collaborative effort,” Michael Fowler, the Franklin County public safety director, said. “We’ve had resources from Floyd County, from Roanoke County, from Salem, Henry County and all throughout Franklin County.”
While crews fight the flames, the Monte Vista Church of the Brethren has stepped in as a home base for them since Wednesday afternoon.
Church members, with help from the Franklin County community, has provided food, water and shelter as a way to say thank you.
“When something like this happens, you’re kind of like, ‘What can I do,’” MaryJo Bowman, a member and volunteer Deacon at the church, said. “I can’t go fight a fire, but I can provide a safe place and a warm place and some food and just a little respite.”
Firefighters said they cannot be more thankful to the church for doing this.
They are also thankful for the weather forecast shifting in their favor. It started with the wind dying down.
“Today it’s been really amazing in the fact that that’s what helped us get a containment line built around this fire,” Fowler said. “Knowing that we’re supposed to have that humidity and rain tonight, we’re looking at that’s going to be a great vantage point for us.”
Despite the favorable conditions, Fowler said he believes people will still be out there Friday and into Friday night.