Firefighters walking the dozer line outside the national park used to contain the fire./Virginia Department of Forestry

Two trails in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia were closed Saturday due to a wildfire that had moved into the park.

The entire length of the Graves Mill Trail from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and the entire length of the Wilhite Wagon Trail were closed until further notice.notice.

On Friday afternoon the Quaker Run Fire, which was spotted October 26 in the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area, approached a powerline near the eastern boundary of the park. Power was suspended to ensure safety of firefighters in the area. The line that had to be de-energized supplies the Big Meadows area so facilities there are utilizing generators. There are some impacts to services, but the visitor center and Big Meadows Wayside remain open, with limited services at the lodge. 

Firefighters and support staff from Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and National Park Service continue efforts to suppress the low intensity fire, which has affected approximately 1,500 acres, with about 184 acres within the park boundary. The fire continues to grow but remains within the established containment fire lines. No structures are threatened.

Smoke from the fire is affecting the central portion of Shenandoah National Park as well as surrounding communities.