InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
A very rare wildfire incident has occurred less than 10 miles northeast of Washington DC. in the town of Greenbelt, Maryland. A fast-moving wildfire has scorched much of the lush green vegetation normally found within the Park's boundaries.
| Current as of | Tue, 11/12/2024 - 21:10 |
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| Incident Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | Greenbelt, MD |
| Incident Commander | John Q. Public - National Park Service / Capital Region |
| Incident Description | A wildfire started in Camp Loop D was directly impacted after an un-forecasted dry microburst occurred in the Washington DC area. The dry microburst, of erratic wind gusts exceeding 100 mph caused structural damage to nearby residential buildings, businesses, and roadways limiting emergency response. The fast-moving wildfire caused multiple injuries (minor-severe) to park visitors as evacuation routes became blocked from fallen trees, a fast-moving wildfire, and vehicle accidents. |
| Coordinates |
38° 58' 47'' Latitude
-76° 54' 24
'' Longitude
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| Total Personnel: | 109 |
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| Size | 17 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 5% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 10/25/2024 |
| Fuels Involved | The Washington DC area has been experiencing a drought throughout the summer (May - September). In October, leaves from fall foliage contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfire from dry leaves on the ground and those yet to detach from host trees. |
| Planned Actions |
Wildfire resources from outside the area, from western Maryland, Virginia, and Baltimore will be dispatched to assist with wildfire suppression and search & rescue efforts. |
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| Projected Incident Activity |
Continue suppressing and secure containment of the wildfire. Assessing the damage to the Park buildings and roads, clear away wrecked vehicles, conduct a hazard tree assessment (Park wide), and search for any unaccounted for Park visitors. |
| Remarks |
Firefighter, responder and public safety is our first priority. The Greenbelt Park will remain closed until emergency crews and law enforcement have cleared the effected areas. |
| Weather Concerns | The erratic outflow winds from the dry microburst only lasted a few minutes. Weather will be clear and sunny with daytime temperatures in the mid-70's, and evening temperatures in the mid-60's. |
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