Rehabilitation begins on Shenandoah Fire

Rehabilitation begins on Shenandoah Fire

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

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Today crews began emergency stabilization work in Shenandoah National Park on firelines along the park boundary. The purpose of this task is to prevent erosion along firelines dug in steep terrain and reduce the likelihood of invasive plants spreading into the park. Berms built up along the firelines will be scattered and water bars will be dug across the firelines. In order for crews to work safely in this area, they will also need to cut hazardous trees that have been weakened by the fire.

As conditions permit, crews will also be removing hazardous trees along the Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail, and other trails.

The fire, known as the Smith Run Fire, began on Saturday is now estimated to be 50% contained. Rain and snow over Monday night and Tuesday morning helped to bring the nearly 2000-acre fire under control.

As of this afternoon, the entire length of Skyline Drive is still closed due to snow and ice. The fire has caused the following trail closures: 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; and the Jenkins Gap Trail.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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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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