SALEM, Va. (AP) - State forestry officials are battling wildfires that have scorched more than 4,000 remote acres.
The Virginia Department of Forestry says it is battling 15 to 25 fires in southwest Virginia, including the counties of Buchanan, Dickinson, Lee, Wise and Scott. Regional forester Ed Stoots said a fire in Buchanan County forced the closing of the high school Tuesday in Hurley.
While he says there have been no property damage, firefighters have been able to protect properties in the path of flames. One firefighter was also treated for heat exhaustion.
In Shenandoah National Park, a fire there has grown to 2,000 acres. Forestry officials say smoke has been seen up to 150 miles southeast of the fire.
The forestry department is reminding residents to be mindful of tinder conditions.
