You are here

Home » More Crews Heading To Shenandoah National Park To Battle Fire

More Crews Heading To Shenandoah National Park To Battle Fire

Share

Published Date

April 18, 2016

Smoke from the Rocky Mount Fire prompted a decision Sunday evening to close a portion of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park/NPS

Firefighters from as far away as New Mexico were heading to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia on Monday to help battle a backcountry fire that led to the temporary closure of a short stretch of Skyline Drive as well as a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

An updated acreage estimate was not available Monday morning for the Rocky Mount Fire, which had covered roughly 500 acres Sunday night. An overflight was scheduled to update that figure, however.

While the Skyline Drive was closed between Swift Run Gap (mile 65, Skyline Drive) south to Loft Mountain (mile 79) due to smoky conditions Sunday evening, officials were evaluating whether that closure could be lifted. Also still closed to the public was the Appalachian Trail from Simmons Gap (mile 73) south to Ivy Creek Overlook (mile 77), and the Pinefield Hut (mile 75).

Other trails closed by the fire were the Onemile Trail, Gap Run Trail, and Rocky Mount Trail.

Unrelated to the fire, several other trails -- the Limberlost Trail, Cedar Run, Cedar Run link trail, and the Crescent Rock Trail -- also were closed in the national park due to the search for a missing person.

The Rocky Mount Fire was spotted Saturday in Shenandoah's south district. It was believed to have been human-caused, though an exact cause has not yet been determined. Firefighters from outside the park were starting to reach Shenandoah on Monday to contribute to the firefighting effort.

“We’re getting a lot more people, from the Virginia Department of Forestry, Rockingham County Fire and Rescue. A team of Augusta County hot shots are coming in this afternoon," said park spokeswoman Sally Hurlbert. "We’ve also called in two hotshot crews from New Mexico, who are coming in tomorrow.”

While the fire is burning in a wilderness area in the park and not threatening visitors or structures, the smoke it was sending up was impacting visitors trying to enjoy National Park Week at Shenandoah.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.