Total fire acreage at the Rocky Mtn Fire remains at 8,952 with 43 percent containment, according to the latest report Sunday morning.
Yesterday’s increased humidity, precipitation and lower temperatures once again gave fire crews the opportunity to mop up and extend fire lines. Approximately 3 miles of the Madison Run Road were prepared and improved for a future contingency fireline if needed.
Firelines in the upper half of the fire saw continued mop up operations while fireline in the bottom half saw strong efforts to complete and/or prepare lines for possible future burnout operations.
The recent rainfall across the fire, while helpful, was the smallest amount recorded anywhere in the State, at 0.14 inches. An infrared mapping flight by the National Park Police Helicopter Saturday afternoon identified over 200 areas along the fire perimeter that continue to hold residual embers. Crews continue addressing these areas to further secure the fire line.
Active fire was observed last night within the interior and southern portion of the fire with active backing fire observed until 8 am this morning.
If conditions are favorable, aerial ignition flights will be conducted this morning. This consists of dropping ping pong ball – sized spheres from a helicopter on precise locations. Use of aircraft will secure line in critical areas, particularly northwest of Doyle’s Cabin and into the Eppert Hollow area.
Mop up will continue along fire lines around the top half of the fire. That will include making sure there is no heat up to 100 feet into the fire from those lines. Fire crews will again be available for Initial Attack on any new fire starts within the entire Shenandoah National Park.
Clouds this morning will give way to increasing sun and clear skies this afternoon. Wind will be light out of the north in the morning switching to the southeast later in the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the 65-70 degree range with humidity between 30-35 percent. This will lead to more active burning potential. Air Resource specialists deployed a series of portable air monitors around the fire yesterday to more accurately measure air quality.
A helpful link for smoke/air quality http://vadeq.tx.sutron.com
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