From Botetourt County Fire & EMS: As of this afternoon, the Short Hill Mountain fire has burned approximately 500 acres of woodland. Crews from Botetourt County, the Virginia Department of Forestry, Rockbridge County (including Natural Bridge and Glasgow) are on scene continuing the containment efforts. As of 4:00 p.m., the fire is approximately 40% contained. Crews continue to work with bulldozers to create containment lines around the fire. Backfires are being lit into the evening to help burn the areas between the containment lines and the original fire areas. It is important for residents and passersby to be aware that smoke conditions will intensify as the backfires burn. Department of Forestry officials expect the fire to have burned 1,000 acres before it is considered to be fully contained. The fire is expected to be fully contained by late evening tomorrow, April 2, 2015.
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As firefighters continue to work in windy conditions with treacherous terrain, Botetourt Fire & EMS continue to provide onsite EMS resources. There have been no injuries as of yet. Homes in the area remain safe and are continuously being monitored by resources on scene. A special thanks to the American Red Cross for its support with nourishment for the firefighting personnel. Also, the Department of Fire & EMS would like to thank all of the mutual aid departments, Department of Forestry, and the many homeowners and residents that have provided property access and other items of support to help in the efforts of containing this large wild-land fire.
