All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Unseasonably dry weather conditions heighten fire danger in Upshur County Wednesday

BUCKHANNON – Strong winds and dry conditions have created an increased chance of fire danger in Upshur County.

Buckhannon career firefighter John Brugnoli said winds in Buckhannon could reach 40 mph Wednesday, Feb. 16.

“It has been pretty gusty today and we are late into the winter, so all the leaves that are left on the ground are pretty crunchy,” Brugnoli said. “They’re pretty dry – everything that is on the ground is pretty dry – and with the wind blowing, it’s a pretty high fire danger, which is odd because this is usually not a fire danger time period.”

Brugnoli said the designated spring fire season starts March 1 and continues through May 31. During this time period, burning restrictions will return and nothing may be burned from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This level of dryness is out of the ordinary,” Brugnoli said. “We are supposed to get some rain tomorrow, and I saw we have a 90 percent chance of rain, so that will help.”

Residents are encouraged to call a local fire department if they see smoke and suspect a brush fire.

“Smoke is the big thing — you’re definitely going to see smoke before you see any fire, especially around ridges of the mountains and those areas Brugnoli said. “When in doubt, call it in regardless because brush fires move pretty fast right now.”

You can more about general burning guidelines and burning during forest fire seasons, March 1 to May 31 and Oct. 31 to Dec. 31 each year, at the West Virginia Division of Forestry’s website here.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league wraps up week one

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its first week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, featuring high-scoring performances from Dalton Hamrick, Cooper Sanders, Derek Sevier, Manadji Tokindang, and Austin Upton.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Kelley calls soccer camp a success, has sights on leading B-U girls program to new heights

Logan Kelley, newly named head coach of the Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc soccer team, helped oversee a successful youth camp and aims to bring stability and new achievements to the girls program.