Wildfires in Virginia Continue to Grow in Size

Two major wildfires in Northern Virginia continue to grow. Here are the latest updates as of this morning:

The Neighbor Mountain Fire in Shenandoah National Park has grown to 1125 acres as of the latest update posted this morning. The fire, currently 20% contained, is burning in 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 has also grown to 237 crew members. However, only medium potential for growth is expected 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 grown 890 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 now 30% contained, with 218 fire-fighting personnel on hand. InciWeb warns that the fire poses a potential threat to homes and private land on the east and west sides of the fire. 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, by the way, were caused by lightning.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com