Fire At Peters Creek, near Carter's Mt.-Stuart, VA
March 3, 2007
Several cabins were saved throughout a week-end ordeal involving Earth, Wind, and Fire.
The CCDF Volunteer Fire Department responded on Saturday afternoon to a smoke investigation near Carter's Mountain. Once on the scene of the forest fire, off Peter's Creek Drive, Mutual Aid was requested. The Ararat, Moorefield Store Community, Stuart (VA) and Francisco and Lawsonville (NC) Volunteer Fire Departments provided water and manpower for the fire, which reportedly burned more than 100 acres. A fire-line was initially cut by hand, and then was reinforced by the Virginia Department of Forestry with fire plows from Patrick and Henry Counties. By 2:00 AM on Sunday, the fire was entirely contained, and crews were released from the scene. The wind died down, which helped with management of the fire, however, temperatures plummeted, to below freezing, causing some adverse working conditions. One volunteer commented on the week-end's condition and stated that "the terrain was steep and traverse". Smoke could be seen in several areas of the county, in fact, the Patrick Springs Volunteer Fire Department responded to a smoke investigation call, which turned out to be smoke from the fire in the Southern area of the county. Several Ashby Drive residents were concerned about possible evacuation.
The Peter's Creek community and The American Red Cross assisted with Fire Fighter Rehab, providing food, drinks, and shelter. Food and drinks were provided as refreshments, and shelter was provided as a wind-break and temporary heat for firefighters.
Residents are reminded that the law states that open air fires are illegal before 4pm.
Pamela Nowlin
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