PWC fire fighting units continue to monitor fire threats

Therefore no active fires in the County as of 8:00 AM this morning, according to Matt Smolsky, Assistant Chief.

Smoplsky said that crews were in position to keep an eye on the Locust Shade fire during the night hours.

“This morning, units went back to the scene to extinguish hot spots.  We will continue to monitor the site today and conduct additional clean up activities as needed. The area involved can be described as heavily wooded with deep ground cover making it extremely difficult to fully extinguish. Smoke and the smell of smoke will most likely linger in the area for some time. There is no threat to any structures or residents in the area,Smolsky added.

The assistant chief said the weather is predicted to be slightly better today, although the National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for elevated fire weather conditions across the entire region through this evening.

Smolsky said, “The biggest factor that will help is the prediction of weaker winds today, but other conditions will continue to dry fine fuels (vegetation). However, rain is on the way being forecasted for Friday evening into Saturday.”