A wildfire estimated to cover about 70 acres was reported in the South District of Shenandoah National Park on Friday and forced the closure of hiking trails in the immediate area. The Skyline Drive, however, remained open, park officials said.
The fire, on Rocks Mountain, was reported shortly after 3 p.m. local time. Soon thereafter park personnel were staging resources in the area to attack the fire.
Due to the fire and to ensure visitor safety, the following trail closures were in effect until further notice: Riprap, Wildcat Ridge, and Rocks Mountain.
Comments
With as much rain/snow as there has been in the east this is surprising. Initial impression is that it will help clear the choking undergrowth at is too common in many eastern forests.
This is fire season in parts of the east. Winter dry fuels burn best before leaves appear. I've worked on fires in Ohio while we were slogging in mud as we fought them.
Someone mentioned on Shenandoah's facebook page that there was a fire danger advisory issued in Rockingham County the other day. This part of Shenandoah is either in Albemarle or Augusta County which are both adjacent to Rockingham County.
http://www.news-record.com/news/local_news/article_0ab6a0ac-9f31-11e3-a3...