We were out along the Featherbed Branch area yesterday and saw the smoke on our way out. At 8:10 pm, the FFS stopped us at Moore's Meadow Rd and told us to proceed very slowly with our 4-ways on. When we reached the bend near the end of the Wharton, at Hampton Gate, we saw that the top of the Stone Hills were on fire!
Some back-burns had been started but it was a pretty awesome and frightening sight. You could see the large glow in the darkening sky and could tell that fire extended well over the hill. The road passed within a couple hundred feet of the blaze, and we were thankful they let us out that way. Going back through Speedwell would have been a long trip.
The smell of the smoke went all the way to Tabernacle. I just hope all the nearby folks and their homes are alright.
John-