Rocky Mtn Fire update: Nearly 9,000 acres burned

The Rocky Mtn Fire has grown to cover 8,952 acres as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and is now approximately 43 percent contained, according to reports.

The increased humidity, precipitation and lower temperatures yesterday gave fire crews the opportunity to mop up and extend all fire lines including along Skyline Drive.

Rainfall averaged 0.10 inches across the fire (0.20 inches at the airport weather station, 0.10 inches at the weather station on Loft’s Mountain). Firefighters continue work to anchor the fire down at Big Run Creek on the West side of the fire. The weather created a window of opportunity for fire resources to more effectively secure and reinforce firelines around the entire upper half of the fire. The increased moisture has created slick footing and an increased risk for slips and falls. Total fire acreage is 8,952 with 43% containment. The fire, which was first reported on Saturday, April 16th, is burning in mountain laurel, pine, and oak forests with heavier than average leaf litter and duff.

Favorable conditions are expected to continue through today and into tomorrow morning allowing crews to continue to secure spot fires in the area of Skyline Drive and increase depth of mop up along containment lines. Several property owners between the Lewis Peak Trail and Madison Run Road have given permission for fire crews to improve a series of old jeep roads and trails that run through their respective properties to build a solid contingency line to hold and contain the southwest corner of the fire, should the need arise. Fire crews are also on standby for new starts for the entire Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The cold front that moved through the area last night is now east of the incident, causing a wind shift. Clouds this morning will give way to increasing amounts of sun this afternoon as high pressure builds over the area from the north. Today will be a transition day from wet back to dry. Sunday and Monday will feature much warmer and dryer weather which, in turn will dry fuels and lead to more active burning. In turn, smoke production by the fire is anticipated to continue to be lighter today than past days and will be moving to the southeast of the fire, towards Charlottesville. Air Resource specialists will be deploying a series of portable air monitors around the fire today to accurately measure air quality.

A helpful link for smoke/air quality http://vadeq.tx.sutron.com.