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Forest Fire Chars 7,900 Acres

Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team

  

Firefighters continue to battle a large blaze in the Shenandoah National Park.  Spokesman Dan Bastion offered this update.

“We’re at about 7,900 acres burned and at 40% containment, and of course this rain is helping.  It won’t put the fire out, but it will slow it down, and with high humidity, lower temperatures, cloud cover makes it easier for the firefighters to get in closer and do some good work.” 

Officials ask the public to keep drones away from the forest fire to avoid conflicts with aircraft being used to battle the blaze.

  The National Park Service also warn that Skyline Drive is closed from Swift Run to Black Rock Gap, and the Appalachian Trail is closed from Blackrock to Powell Gap.  Spokesman John Bearer says a shuttle bus is available to hikers, but he knows some will be disappointed.

“I’m sure there will be a few diehard through hikers that can’t say they actually walked the whole thing, but anybody that can get from Maine to Georgia, more power to them, even if it is a 20-mile bus ride.” 

So far, firefighters say they’ve been successful in keeping the blaze away from private property adjacent to the park and in protecting historic and environmentally important areas.