Crews continue fighting Mount Pleasant fire

AMHERST COUNTY (WSLS 10) - The Mount Pleasant fire in Amherst County is now 10 percent contained and has burned more than 6,400 acres.

The cause is still under investigation.

People who live in the area say they haven't seen a fire of this magnitude in years.

"This is probably the biggest one I've ever seen," Keith Waters, who lives nearby said.

Crews from across the United States are coming in to help try to knock the fire out.

An additional 122 firefighters are digging lines.

"Right now I'm just programming radios, doing what I can," Matthew Britenstein, a Hot Shot crew member said.

Britenstein is working on making sure equipment is working correctly as they fight the flames from the helicopter.

"So far so good, waking up getting to bed at a reasonable time it's nice" Bristenstein said.

Sadly he and others are spending time away from their families at Thanksgiving.

"I am a very fortunate man to have supportive family, this is a difficult job to do without that family support and understanding and its a big deal for me," Don Pyrah, the Public Information Officer said.

Pyrah said he plans to make sure his fellow firefighters are well taken care of this Thanksgiving.

"I have a role and responsibility that I try to take care of the folks that are entrusted to me," Pyrah said.