Forest Fire in Shenandoah causes Trail and Skyline Drive Closures

Forest Fire in Shenandoah causes Trail and Skyline Drive Closures

Monday, February 21, 2011

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A fire in the North District of Shenandoah National Park has resulted in closures of several trails and portions of Skyline Drive.

As a result of what is now known as the Smith Run Fire, Skyline Drive between Front Royal and Rt. 211 is now closed. The following trail closures are also in effect until further notice:

* Mt. Marshall Trail from Skyline Drive to the intersection at the Bluff Trail

* Appalachian Trail between Compton Gap and the Browntown Trail

* Lands Run Gap Fire Road

* Jenkins Gap Trail

The fire, located near Jenkins Gap near Milepost 12 on Skyline Drive, has burned approximately 1800 acres in the north district of Shenandoah National Park. It started on private property outside of the park boundary and was first reported at approximately 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 19. The fire's cause is currently unknown. The fire is moving on the surface of the forest floor where hardwood leaf litter and down trees have accumulated.

Beginning this morning, the interagency Southern Area Type 1 "Red" Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire. Roughly 78 fire personnel from a variety of state and federal land management agencies are currently fighting the fire. Along with the Smith Run Fire, the Red Team will also be taking over three fires now burning on the neighboring George Washington and Jefferson National Forest: the Pickle Branch Fire (325 acres) and the Coffman and Chestnut Ridge Fires (approximately 2,700 acres together). All four fires together will be managed as the Valley Complex.

The Smith Run Fire is estimated to be 15% contained. Fire managers will continue to build line and mop up with some burnout operations.

The rest of the park including the Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap (Rt. 211) south to Rockfish Gap (Rt. 250) remains open.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Update on the Calderwood Fire in western Smokies

Update on the Calderwood Fire in western Smokies

Thursday, September 2, 2010

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Tennessee Department of Forestry continue to keep a watchful eye on a low-intensity wildfire burning between U.S. 129 (The Tail of the Dragon) and the shores of Calderwood and Chilhowee Lakes (see map below).

Since Monday, the fire has grown from 160 acres to 294 acres as of early this morning. However, the fire is now 52% contained.

According to InciWeb, the fire is moving northward into an area of sparser fuels. Engine crews were able to construct a handline on Park land and tie into an old road on Tapoco (Alcoa) lands to the west. The fire will continue to burn down until it hits this handline.

The fire remains within all control lines and does not currently threaten Highway 129.

The Calderwood Fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike on August 17 on land owned by Tapoco, but was first detected and confirmed on August 22. Since then it has spread slowly onto national park property.

The following is a map that shows the location and the progression of the fire (you can click on the map for a closer view):



The fire is expected to be fully contained by September 9th.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Small wildfire on western end of Smokies

Small wildfire on western end of Smokies

Monday, August 30, 2010

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are reporting that a small wildfire is burning between U.S. 129 and the shores of Calderwood and Chilhowee Lakes - roughly 7 miles west of Gregory Bald.

The fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike on August 17 on land owned by Tapoco, but was first detected and confirmed on August 22. It has spread slowly onto national park land. Firefighters are pursuing a confine and contain suppression strategy.

According to the InciWeb Incident Information System website, the fire has grown to 160 acres and is currently 25% contained.

Now known as the Calderwood Fire, 27 fire management personnel from the National Park and the Tennessee Department of Forestry are jointly managing the low-intensity wildfire.

The estimated containment date right now is September 9, 2010. Additionally, no park trails are closed, but motorists are advised to exercise caution driving on U.S. 129 due to firefighters working adjacent to roadways and the potential for reduced visibility.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Wildfires in Smokies near full containment

Wildfires in Smokies near full containment

Friday, May 1, 2009

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As a result of the rain today, huge improvements were made in the containment of both wildfires in the Smokies. Here's the latest from the Wildfire Incident Information System:

Stony Ridge Fire: Rain on Friday morning helped firefighters complete suppression operations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. With more rain in the forecast, only a single crew will be kept on the fire on Saturday to complete mop-up. On Sunday, May 3, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians plans to reassume command of the fire.

The Blue Ridge Parkway re-opened at 7:00 PM on Friday evening.


Laurel Falls II Fire: The Laurel Falls 2 Fire is fully contained. With more rain forecast, the fire will be unstaffed on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The National Park Service will reassume command of the incident on Sunday, May 3.

All trails previously closed by the fire are now open.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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