Rain Helps Firefighters Gain Upper Hand On Shenandoah National Park Fire

March 26, 2024
The Rocky Branch Fire in Shenandoah National Park was 76% contained Tuesday morning/NPS
The Rocky Branch Fire in Shenandoah National Park was 76% contained Tuesday morning/NPS

Weekend rains helped firefighters gain the upper hand on the Rocky Branch Fire in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. As of Tuesday morning it was reported to be 76 percent contained; all of Skyline Drive was expected to be open to traffic on Wednesday.

Ground crews were working on dousing small smoldering pockets of fire, which covered nearly 1,000 acres. More rain was in the forecast for Wednesday.

Some sections of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail remained closed in the park: From Elkwallow to Beahms Gap, Rocky Branch Neighbor Mountain, Jeremys Run; Hull School Trail from Skyline Drive to Thornton River Upper Trail; and Thornton River Upper Trail from intersection of Hull School Trail to Skyline Drive.

No cause has been attributed to the fire, which was spotted on private land near Luray, Virginia, last Wednesday. A ban on all fires within Shenandoah remained in place.

Stories about:

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks. 

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.