Shenandoah Wildfire Doubles in Size

Two major wildfires in Northern Virginia continue to grow. However, major progress is being made to bring both fires under control. Here are the latest updates as of this morning:

The Neighbor Mountain Fire in Shenandoah National Park has doubled in size over the last three days, growing from 1125 acres to 2163 acres as of the latest update posted yesterday evening. The fire, however, is now 55% contained. The wildfire is burning in very steep and rocky terrain north of Route 211 and west of Skyline Drive. The forest involved is a mix of hardwoods, mountain laurel, blueberry and leaf litter. The number of personnel fighting the fire is now at 247 crew members. Further growth potential for the fire is rated as medium at this point. The following trails and facilities are still closed:

* Appalachian Trail between Elkwallow and Beahms Gap
* Jeremys Run Trail
* Neighbor Mountain Trail
* Knob Mountain Trail
* Knob Mountain Cutoff
* Jeremys Run Overlook
* Byrds Nest #4 shelter

Just north of Shenandoah is the Point 2 Wildland Fire, which has now grown to 1162 acres over the last couple of days. The fire is located on Massanutten Mountain between Veach Gap and Sherman Gap in the counties of Warren and Shenandoah, in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The fire is is considered to be 80% contained, with 226 fire-fighting personnel on hand. InciWeb warns that there is medium growth potential due to heavy, dry fuels, the steep rugged terrain, difficult access and weather conditions. The following trails are still closed until further notice:

* Massanutten National Recreation Trail (#408) from Shawl Gap to Veach Gap
* Tuscarora Trail (#405.1) is closed from Shawl Gap to Panhandle Road (SR 613)
* Sherman Gap Trail (#403)
* Veach Gap Trail (#484)
* The Little Crease Trail Shelter is also closed

Both fires were caused by lightning during the June 25/26 storms.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com