Home Shenandoah National Park closes parts of Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail due to wildfire
State News

Shenandoah National Park closes parts of Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail due to wildfire

Crystal Graham
wildfire
(© Fernando Astasio Avila – Shutterstock)

Shenandoah National Park has closed nearly 10 miles of Skyline Drive and parts of the Appalachian Trail due to wildfires in the area.

Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap (mile 31.5) to Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is closed due to the Rocky Branch wildfire.

Trail closures include the Appalachian Trail from Elkwallow to Beahms Gap, Rocky Branch, Neighbor Mountain, Jeremys Run, and Byrds Nest 4.

A parkwide fire ban remains in effect.

The fire started Wednesday afternoon and is estimated to be 450 acres burning timber litter.

Firefighters are continuing suppression activities and establishing a fire line.

Fire officials estimate 10 percent containment as of Wednesday night.

The National Park Service firefighters are working in partnership with Luray Fire Department and Virginia Department of Forestry.

No structures are immediately threatened by the fire.






Support AFP

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

donald trump
Politics

America Last: War abroad, tyranny at home, and the theft of a nation

Dianna Russini
Etc.

Leave Dianna Russini alone: Sportswriters, coaches, happen to like hot tubs

I’m totally on the side of Dianna Russini in this generated controversy over her being caught holding hands, hugging and lounging in a hot tub with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Seriously, what sportswriter isn’t holding hands, hugging and lounging in hot tubs with coaches they cover? Just last week, for instance, Ryan Odom,...

uva baseball
Baseball

UVA Baseball: #13 ‘Hoos fall to Notre Dame, 5-3, evening weekend series

Notre Dame starter Jack Radel, solid all season, owned #13 Virginia on Saturday, shutting out the ’Hoos through six, in a 5-3 Irish win on Saturday.

blue false indigo Baptisia australis
Arts, Culture, Media

Garden Club of Virginia celebrates blue false indigo during Native Plant Month

we are all hokies waynesboro vigil
State News

Virginia Tech plans annual remembrance of 32 Hokies who died in 2007 mass shooting

government money
Politics

Seriously: It cost a million dollars to hang out with Donald Trump in Charlottesville

healthcare
Local News

Free oral cancer screenings available at Augusta County clinic on April 15