As per reports, Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in portions of West Virginia on Thursday (21 March) afternoon due to extensive forest fires.

• The state of emergency was issued for the counties of Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Pendleton.
• According to fire departments, multiple large wildfires were burning across these counties, including one at Waites Run near Wardensville which destroyed several structures.
• According to Fire Information for Rescue Management System, the Waites Run fire has burned more than 3,500 acres, or equivalent to nearly 5.5 square miles.
• More than 500 acres have also been burned by another large wildfire in Grant County on Thursday (21 March) morning.
• The emergency declaration will allow for additional resources to be allocated to the affected areas which will expedite emergency response efforts.