Seneca Rocks Fire now mostly extinguished

PENDLETON COUNTY, Wv. (WHSV) - UPDATE: As of 12 pm Saturday, the Seneca Rocks Fire is mostly extinguished, according to Pendleton County Emergency Services Coordinator, Rick Gillespie.

Local volunteer fire departments, the Federal Hotshots Team, and regional US Forest Service Fire personnel have all assisted in helping extinguish the fire, along with rain.

Approximately 12 acres were involved in the fire in behind the rocks, with the public-facing view unscathed.

ORIGINAL: Pendleton 911 received a report about a fire burning behind Seneca Rocks around 7:30 Friday evening, according to Gillespie.

Multiple crews from Virginia and West Virginia responded and tried to control the fire, but the winds and the terrain of Seneca Rocks made it dangerous for crews to continue without daylight.

Gillespie said The US Forest Service sent a crew to the fire this morning.

Official update from Rick Gillespie on Seneca Rocks fire-
Last night crews made their way to the top to fight the flames for a few hours, then they pulled back because of danger.
Hot shot crew expected this AM. pic.twitter.com/KGjnpawaiN
— Aubrey Urbanowicz (@WHSVaubs) April 22, 2023

Local officials have confirmed that another wildfire has broken out in Pendleton County near Seneca Rocks Friday evening.

Pendleton County Emergency Services Coordinator Rick Gillespie confirmed the fire is behind Seneca Rocks, and crews and firefighters are on their way to battle the blaze.

WHSV is working to get information on the fire, and we will share any updates once we have them.

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