Bedford, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Firefighters are close to having gotten the massive Matts Creek fire fully under control.
In an update on Monday, November 27, U.S. Forest Service officials said the fire is now 95% contained. A smaller crew will soon take over and continue repairing fire damaged trails.
"In the past 24 hours, we've gotten most of the perimeter contained," said Karen Miranda-Gleason, Public Information Officer for the Matts Creek Fire. "We do expect it to be contained by the end of the shift today."
The Matts Creek fire is in Bedford and Rockbridge Counties, in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The fire began on November 12 and burned roughly 11,020 acres (about 17 square miles).
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but investigators say it was not caused naturally. The point of origin is known to be near the Appalachian trail. When the trail reopens, U.S. Forest officials urge visitors to be very careful with fire.
