Shenandoah National Park Fire Growing
The Shenandoah National Park fire is growing. The wildfire in the Shenandoah National Park is spreading. Now more than 8,000 acres have burned. Several hiking trails have needed to be closed as well as a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Skyline Drive was closed also due to the wildfire. Dry and windy conditions over the last several days have certainly not helped as well as the rugged terrain in the area. Rain is in the forecast but it may not be enough to help. The fire is currently about 40% contained according to fire and park officials. There is a $2,000 reward being offered. Call the Arson Tip Line at (434) 220-9053.
Shenandoah National Park
Multiple agencies are assisting in the Rocky Mount wildfire. Those agencies include The National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, Rockingham County Department of Fire and Rescue, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department. Almost 350 firefighters and support crew have joined together to fight the wildfire. The wildfire began last Saturday and may be due to humans but an investigation is underway.
Here a is a copy of the Shenandoah National Park website’s Alerts about the fire and the closures.
ROCKY MTN FIRE 2016 CLOSURES (April 19, 2016, latest update April 21)
Skyline Drive from Swift Run Entrance (mile 65) to Blackrock Gap (mile 87.5)
Loft Mountain Wayside (mile 79.5)
Appalachian Trail from Powell Gap (mile 70) to Blackrock Gap (mile 87.5)
Blackrock Hut
Brown Mountain Trail
Big Run Portal Trail
Rocky Mountain Run Trail
Rockytop Trail
Big Run Loop
Austin Mountain Trail
Lewis Peak Trail
Patterson Ridge Trail
Madison Run Spur
Madison Run Fire Road
Rocky Mount Trail
Gap Run Trail
Onemile Run Trail
Browns Gap Fire Road
Madison Run Fire Road
Doyles River PATC Cabin
Furnace Mountain Trail
Trayfoot Mountain Trail
Jones Run Trail
Doyles River Trail
All other trails and facilities are open. There are no out-of-park road or facilities closures.
Real-time Road Closure Information
Here is a link to the real-time road closures. You can also call and listen to the recorded Park Information Line at 828-298-0398 for up to date information.
