Fire Departments Fight Large Brush Fire

On Sunday, November 3, around 11 a.m., PVFD was alerted with automatic mutual aid from Belington VFD, Junior VFD, and Grafton FD for a brush fire with exposures on Arden Rd outside of Philippi. Engine 43, Brush 46, and PC 47 pulling Brush 4 (UTV) all responded shortly after dispatch. Apparatus arrived on scene and found a working brush fire quickly spreading up a wooded hillside. Crews began an initial attack by utilizing booster lines to ensure the fire wouldn’t spread to a nearby outbuilding. Leaf blowers and rakes were also used to create a fire line around the sides of the fire. UTVs from PVFD, Belington VFD, and Junior VFD were sent to the top of the hillside to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby gas well. Brush 46, and Brush 23 (Junior) utilized a gas well road and was able to assist with fire containment on the top of the hillside. Crews worked for multiple hours to contain the fire, and put out hotspots throughout before returning to station. In all approximately 6-7 acres burned. Chief 4 held command.

Other responding units from Belington VFD- Engine 33, PC 34 pulling Brush 3 (UTV), Junior VFD- Tanker 24, Brush 23, PC 26 pulling Brush 2 (UTV), and Grafton FD Tanker 1. WV State Police, Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, Barbour EMS, and WV Forestry were also on scene. Nutterfort VFD was alerted for an engine transfer to Philippi station.