2024 North Zone Complex 2024

The North Zone Complex covers five wildfires in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and on state and private land in West Virginia and Virginia. They are: Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 Fire, Waites Run Fire, Capon/Brush Run Fire, Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire, and Cove Mountain Fire. Command of the North Zone Complex has been transferred to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor. 

FINAL Fire Update - Wednesday April 3, 2024

Current Status: Command of the North Zone Complex is assigned to a local Type 3 Team led by Incident Commander Colten Moor.  The Team will hand command of the incident back to the local unit on Saturday April 6th.  Cove, Edith Gap, Capon, Waterfall Mountain and Waites Run Fires will be monitored and patrolled until declared out. With the increase in moisture and more favorable weather conditions all fires associated with the North Zone Complex have been contained.

Closure orders for all areas in the North Zone Complex remain in effect. The local district will continue to assess conditions on the ground and determine when it is safe to re-open the areas to the public. Be aware of areas adjacent to recently burned areas as they are prone to flash flooding and debris flows. Continuation of suppression repair will occur as needs are identified.  Firefighters continue to remove snags, address other safety concerns, and continue to secure containment lines.  Fire and insect weakened trees continue to fall within burned areas. Road conditions have deteriorated due to rainfall and equipment traffic. Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team will be working on plans to rehabilitate damage to natural drainages and structures moving forward.

Individual Fire Updates: 15,977 total acres 100% contained

1. Waterfall Mountain/Shenandoah Forest/211 West Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA

• 6,399 acres; 100% contained

1. Waites Run Fire in Hardy County, WV
   • 6,223 acres, 100% contained
2. Capon/Brush Run Fire in Rockingham County, VA 
   • 2,368 acres, 100% contained
3. Edith Gap/Serenity Ridge Fire in Shenandoah and Page Counties, VA
   • 832 acres, 100% contained
4. Cove Mountain Fire in Hardy County, WV
   • 155 acres, 100% contained

Resources: 5 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2IA crew, 1 Type 3 helicopter, 6 engines, 1 dozers and 108 personnel. 

Date and Cause Reported: The fires were reported on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and Thursday, March 21, 2024. The causes of the fires are undetermined. 

Weather: Today unsettled weather continues as multiple rounds of showers and storms impact the region.  A series of cold fronts sweep through the area Wednesday and Thursday, bringing windy conditions that last through the weekend. High pressure builds overhead Sunday into early next week.

Closures: For the protection of public health and safety, and for the protection of resources, please respect area, road and trail closures.  Check the George Washington and Jefferson website for the full list of closures. www.fs.usda.gov/gwj

Advisories: We ask the public to avoid areas with active fire for their own safety and to allow firefighters to work safely. Public and firefighter safety is always our top priority. In addition, please do not fly drones near or over a wildfire. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke and Air Quality:  Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov. 

General Fire Information: 

• Homeowners can learn how to make their homes less susceptible to wildfires by visiting:  www.firewise.org 
• Virginia’s 4 p.m. Burning Law remains in effect until April 30, 2024. It bans open-air burning before 4 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times. For more information, please visit https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/fire-laws/4-pm-burning-law.