Smoke is visible this week in northern Rockbridge County from a wildfire in the George Washington Jefferson and National Forest.
In an update posted on Facebook Tuesday afternoon, the National Forest Service refers to it as the “Taylor Hollow Fire.” It was discovered on Sunday, July 5, and is approximately 10 acres. The fire is located south of Irish Creek Road.
Local firefighters were called out for smoke investigation Sunday afternoon, but they quickly realized the fire was on National Forest land and notified federal officials, according to Nathan Ramsey, Rockbridge County fire-rescue chief.
“The wildfire is burning in steep, rocky terrain entirely on National Forest lands in Rockbridge County, approximately five miles east of Fairfield,” according to the National Forest post. “Thirty firefighters and a helicopter are working to suppress the fire and are actively building containment lines around the fire. S moke w ill b e v isible from nearby communities.
“More information about fires, smoke, and public health, including an interactive map with current fire and air quality data as well as ways to protect yourself from smoke impacts, can be found at: https://www.airnow.gov/ air.../fires-and-your-health/. The safety of firefighters and the public is always our first priority. Follow us on facebook or website for updated information. https://www. fs.usda.gov/r08/gwj.”
