
The West Virginia National Guard has joined efforts to combat wildfires that have ravaged over 6.25 square miles in the state, resulting in the destruction of several homes. The fires, which began earlier this week in Hardy County, have been challenging to contain due to steep, wooded terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Utilizing two Blackhawk helicopters equipped with water buckets capable of holding up to 630 gallons, the National Guard has been conducting water drops to suppress the flames. The fires were exacerbated by gusty winds and low humidity levels, creating a volatile environment for firefighting crews.