Royal Orchard fire update
Thursday evening a new fire was reported in the Rockfish Gap/Afton area due to a vehicle fire near Interstate 64.
The crews from the Quaker Run wildfire were diverted to assist with the Royal Orchard Fire.
Shenandoah National Park is reporting that Skyline Drive is closed from Rockfish Gap to Lofton Mountain and the Appalachian Trail is closed from Rockfish Gap to Jarman Gap.
Currently the wildfire is at 20 acres, with significant progress in the building of fire lines.
The smoke we are experiencing, especially on the east side of the mountains, is the compiling of wildfires across the state.
Refer to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to track conditions.
As a reminder, those with respiratory issues, children, and pregnant women should be particularly cautious.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
National public lands day hike
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and Shenandoah National Park invite you to join for a hike in the park on September 23.
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), is a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the Appalachian Trail.
No registration is required.
Arrive at Big Meadows Lodge at 10:00 a.m. prepared to hike one of two options ranging from easy to moderate.
Plus, Saturday, September 23rd is a fee free day!
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Handley High School’s alumni speaker series
Handley High School’s Alumni Speaker Series will be hosting Jimmy (’86) and Braden Robertson (’21) on August 16th at 6:30 pm in the Handley Robinson Auditorium (100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester).
The father and son duo will be sharing their “Experience Along the Appalachian Trail: A Father & Son Trek”.
They will show photographs, maps, gear and tell their story about situations and the people they encountered on the 2200-mile hike.
This is a free event, share with your friends and family.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.