We regret to pass on that Haysi (SW VA) Vice Mayor, Fire Chief & Career Forestry FF Rocky Wood was killed in the Line of Duty while fighting a Buchanan County wildfire on Thursday. Wood is a member of the town council since 2008 and is the Chief of the Haysi Volunteer Fire Department.
The 15-acre wildfire was near the Roseann community. Chief Wood was a 7-year VDOF employee who worked in the Western Region’s Vansant Office. He joined VDOF full-time as a Forest Technician in 2016. Prior to that, he worked as a part-time wildland Firefighter with the agency and for the Virginia Department of Corrections. The fire was reportedly contained early this morning. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest In Peace.