Matts Creek Wildfire in Bedford County Burns 5,148 Acres, 2% Contained
ICARO Media Group
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. - The Matts Creek wildfire in the Big Island area of Bedford County has scorched 5,148 acres of land, according to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service. As of Friday morning, the blaze remains relatively uncontained, with firefighting efforts making progress to achieve a 2% containment.
Located approximately 5 miles southeast of Glasgow and 4 miles northwest of Big Island, the wildfire is situated within the James River Face Wilderness in the Jefferson National Forest. Its location is south of US-501 and the James River.
Authorities anticipate light winds overnight and on Saturday, which could lead to heavy smoke accumulation in nearby communities and along roadways.
To keep the public informed, the U.S. Forest Service has shared a map of the fire on its official Facebook page, allowing residents to stay updated on the blaze's progression and potential threat.
With the fire continuing to rage, firefighting resources have been deployed to combat the growing inferno. Currently, approximately 200 firefighters are on the ground, supported by 8 fire crews and 8 Type-6 engines. In addition, three Type-1 helicopters are providing aerial assistance to control and suppress the flames.
As the wildfire persists, authorities are working diligently to fully contain the blaze and prevent further destruction. The public is urged to exercise caution and follow any evacuation orders or safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
Updates regarding the Matts Creek wildfire will be provided as new information becomes available. The U.S. Forest Service remains committed to extinguishing the fire and safeguarding the community from any potential risks.