Underground Coal Fire Burning

Part of Wayne National Forest will be closed for 48 hours due to an underground coal fire.

Federal firefighters spotted the fire while on routine patrol in Athens County near Nelsonville within the area of Highway 33 where a wildfire occurred in April.

The public is urged to stay away from the area, because of unstable ground and fumes.

The Forest expects suppression efforts to start this weekend. During the process air quality will be monitored daily by Wayne National Forest firefighters.