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Rocky Mount fire grows to over 2,000 acres

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shenandoah national parkThe Rocky Mount fire in the south district of Shenandoah National Park has grown to approximately 2,094 acres. Firefighters are actively working along the park boundary and Skyline Drive. The fire on Rocky Mount, was reported to the park at approximately 1:00 p.m. on April 16, 2016. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Due to the fire and to ensure visitor safety, Skyline Drive is closed from Swift Run Gap (mile 65, Skyline Drive) south to Loft Mountain (mile 79). The following trails closures are in effect until further notice: the Appalachian Trail from Simmons Gap (mile 73) south to Ivy Creek Overlook (mile 77), the Rocky Mount Trail, the Gap Run Trail, and the Onemile Trail. The Pinefield Hut (mile 75) is closed.

Currently 100 personnel are working to contain the fire. Resources assigned to the fire include personnel from the National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, USDA Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia Forestry Commission and Department of Forestry Pueblo County . Additional firefighters and equipment are en route. The park and Skyline Drive remain open along with all major highways and visitor facilities in the park and adjacent communities.

You can also find current information on the park Facebook and Twitter sites: facebook.com/shenandoahnps  and twitter.com/ShenandoahNPS.

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