A Forest Service press release said what is now being called the Woodside Fire in Pendleton County was still only at 30% containment on Thursday afternoon. The source of the fire was still under investigation.

The Forest Service also stated that approximately 70 personnel, two crews, one dozer and one helicopter would battle the fire.

“Firefighters will continue to build and reinforce containment lines around the perimeter of the fire,” the Forest Service statement said Thursday. “Ground operations are supported by engines and hand crews. A Type-2 helicopter has been ordered and is scheduled to arrive later today.”

At 4:38 p.m. Thursday, the Pendleton County OEM announced that helicopter water drops had begun on the wildfire.

The wildfire is said to be located in the area of Vance Run in Pendleton County, close to the border with Highland County, Virginia.

The Woodside Fire is located in the area of Vance Run, near Big Mountain and off WV State Route 28, close to the border with Highland County, Virginia.

Smoke may be visible in Circleville, Big Mountain, Thornwood and the surrounding communities, the statement reads. Motorists are asked to “be mindful as smoke can shift” and may affect visibility while driving.

“Dry and windy conditions continue to create elevated fire danger across the area,” the Forest Service release said. “Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor burning and to practice responsible fire safety at all times.”

The fire was reported Wednesday afternoon after a private landowner detected smoke south of Circleville, the Forest Service said. The Pendleton County OEM stated on Wednesday that multiple local volunteer fire departments, along with some from Virginia, were on scene.

“Multiple fire crews at a wildfire in Southwest Pendleton County, near Cherry Grove,” the Pendleton County OEM stated on social media at 1:21 p.m. on Wednesday. “Battling extreme steep mountain terrain. Mostly on Monongahela National Forest. Numerous VFDs from Pendleton, Pocahontas and Highland Counties in (Virginia) and National Forest Fire crews are battling the fire in extreme winds on a Red Flag Day.”

At 3 p.m. on Wednesday the Pendleton County OEM posted that “at this time” no structures are threatened by the Woodside Fire.

Around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the OEM reported that “fire crews in Pendleton County are responding to a second wildfire in the Strauter Road area, north of Franklin.” The fire was reported at 3:33 p.m., officials said. However, at 4:45 p.m., the OEM gave an update on the Strauter Road fire, stating that it was “100% contained and no structures are in danger.”

On Thursday morning, the OEM stated that the Strauter Road fire was reported as “no smoke, no heat” and there had been no issues.