Lynchburg Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) has introduced the Blue Ridge Fire Safety Act, a bill that aims to address a critical need for the Wintergreen community in Virginia. The bill clarifies that the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), has the authority to grant a permit for the construction of an emergency road on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For over three decades, the Wintergreen Property Owners Association has been seeking approval from the NPS to build a 400-foot emergency gravel road connecting Wintergreen to the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, the NPS has consistently expressed reservations and concerns regarding the proposed road's consistency with parkway purposes. This has left the Wintergreen community without a crucial emergency exit route.

Congressman Good emphasizes the importance of this bill in ensuring the safety of Wintergreen residents. He states, "The Blue Ridge Fire Safety Act addresses a critical need for the Wintergreen community to establish an emergency exit road. For too long, the Park Service has prevented this community from taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of its residents. I stand with Wintergreen to be proactive so they can try to avoid the severest of consequences from disasters like the ones our nation has seen in recent years. Bureaucratic incompetence must never compromise the safety of Americans."

The need for an emergency exit road is evident when we look at recent devastating fires across the country. In 2017, the "Tubbs" Fire in Calistoga, California, resulted in a six-lane highway being engulfed in flames, posing significant challenges for evacuation and leading to 22 fatalities. Similarly, the infamous "Camp Fire" in California in 2018 claimed 85 lives, with at least 7 deaths occurring due to people being trapped in traffic jams while trying to escape.

Last year, Lahaina, Hawaii, experienced a devastating wildfire, which highlighted the importance of having multiple evacuation routes. With only two ways in and out of the town, many residents were forced to seek refuge in the ocean from the flames. This fire tragically resulted in 115 deaths.

The Blue Ridge Fire Safety Act acts as a common-sense solution to allow the Wintergreen community to take proactive measures in the face of potential life-threatening emergencies. By granting the necessary permit for the construction of an emergency road, Wintergreen will have a vital escape route during times of crisis.

The Wintergreen Property Owners Association is optimistic about the bill's potential impact. They believe that the construction of the emergency road will significantly increase the safety of the community. The bill's introduction has brought hope to Wintergreen residents who have long awaited a solution to their safety concerns.

As the Blue Ridge Fire Safety Act moves forward, Wintergreen and its supporters are hopeful that it will receive the necessary approval. The safety of residents should always be a priority, and this bill is a step in the right direction to ensure that Wintergreen has the necessary infrastructure in place to protect its community in times of emergency.