UPDATED: Alleghany Tunnels Fire   The Alleghany Tunnels Fires burned into one fire from three fires and is located approximately 10 miles west of Covington, Virginia in the Dunlap Creek drainage of western Alleghany County. The fire grew approximately 900 acres in the last 24 hours. The fires are being managed as a Unified Command with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Fire acreage is approximately 6,982 acres in size. There is 20% containment of the fires at this time. Containment meaning fire lines are surrounding a percentage of the perimeter of a fire. There is no estimate for 100% containment at this point. The fire was reported on Saturday, April 7, 2012. The cause of the fires is undetermined. Approximately 112 personnel were assigned to the fire today including one helicopter, 5 engines, 3 UTVs, 4 crews, and 2 bulldozers. Working to contain the fire are the USDA Forest Service. Virginia Department of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and Area Volunteer Fire Departments. Plans for Thursday, April 12 include to continue hand line construction and burnout in the north perimeters of the fire. Begin improving and reinforcing hand lines by putting the fire out wherever it threatens the fire line. Cut down dead trees or ‘snags’ that are a threat to firefighter safety or present a risk of igniting and spreading fire. The fires are difficult to access due to lack of roads and steep terrain, and are burning on both private land and National Forest. The safety of the public and firefighters will always remain our top priority. Other safety concerns include train traffic, driving conditions, and poor radio and cell communications.

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