A year after the Matts Creek wildfire burned over 11,000 acres, experts reflect on its unexpected ecological benefits and stress the importance of fire prevention.

Officials said Mother Nature's rain on Tuesday helped significantly by preventing the wildfire from growing any further.

People are showing their appreciation for first responders battling the flames from the Matts Creek Wildfire.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is back open after crews worked to clear debris from the Matts Creek wildfire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Officials are hopeful for two to three inches of rain to stop the fire from growing any further.

With forecasted rain for Tuesday, crews are optimistic of it helping to contain the Matts Creek wildfire.

School leaders made some changes to their workday on Monday to protect kids from the Matts Creek wildfire smoke.

The Weather Authority Alert Day issued due to air quality concerns and smoky conditions across portions of Southwest Virginia has expired.

Parts of the area will see an inch of rain Tuesday - for the first time in nearly three months

As crews continue to battle the Matts Creek wildfire, residents in the surrounding areas are being impacted by the smoke.

Crews working around the clock to contain the Matts Creek wildfire.

The fire has grown to nearly 6,000 acres and continues to be only 2% contained.

Fire officials say more crews are coming. Friday, they have about 250 on scene and more on the way to help fight the Matts Creek Fire.

We'll take any chance of rain we can get, but we need a substantial amount before drought and fire concerns go away.

The U.S. Forest Service said Matts Creek Wildfire has grown to 5,148 acres and is two percent contained.

Wildfires continue to blaze across the Commonwealth, with the Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County spanning about 3,600 acres as of Thursday night.

Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner are weighing in on the Matts Creek wildfire available federal assistance.

People living near the Matts Creek wildfire are growing more fearful by the minute.

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say more than 100 firefighters are battling the blaze and the fire is burning where motorized equipment isn't allowed, except in emergencies.

Local water authorities, and city and county officials have not issued water restrictions or bans in the wake of the Matts Creek wildfire.

Crews are still working tirelessly to contain the Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County. Get a look at smoky conditions in surrounding areas.

The time of day is a huge indicator as to how wildfire smoke travels and impacts your health

The fire spans about the size of 1,900 football fields.

Some Bedford County area residents say they’re frightened and feeling the health effects from wildfire smoke.

As wildfires continue to permeate much of our region, we’re working for you to keep you updated on the Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County.

The Matts Creek wildfire is now fully contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.