Trails reopen
Shenandoah National Park has announced that all trails around Rapidan Camp have reopened.
These areas were previously closed due to the Quaker Run Fire and the hazard of trees that had been weakened by the wildfire.
On November 17th, the Quaker Run Fire was declared 100% contained.
The wildfire affected 3,937 acres on private, state, and federal lands.
About 700 acres were within Shenandoah’s boundary.
Shenandoah’s complete fire ban remains in effect.
All open-air fires are prohibited, including in picnic areas and campgrounds.
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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.
Virginia wildfires update
The Virginia Department of Forestry is reporting that as of Friday, November 10th, there were 19 wildfires in Virginia that have burned over 9,424 acres including the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County.
Crews are continuing to install sprinkler heads around Camp Hoover near the Rapidan Wildlife Area.
Smoke continues to be a concern in Shenandoah National Park and hikers are encouraged to plan hikes away from the east side of the central portion of the park.
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Quaker Run fire is completely contained thanks to reinforcements
The most recent Virginia Department of Forestry’s report on the Quaker Run Fire has all containment lines around the fire complete.
Over 100 firefighters are working to strengthen the lines.
The lines are holding with more resources arriving today November 8.
Firefighters are warning not to do any outdoor burning due to the dry conditions and winds.
Virginia’s Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency due to the Quaker Run Fire and another fire in Patrick County.
The declaration allows the state to mobilize additional resources that will be arriving today November 8.
Along with the state of emergency comes price gouging protection from Virginia’s Attorney General.
Price gouging protection from Virginia’s Attorney General will protect consumers from excessive prices being placed on necessities as reported earlier.
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Quaker run fire update
The Quaker Run fire has now burned over 1500 acres, but remains within its containment lines.
Friday, November 3rd, firefighters built backfires to reduce burnable materials and widen containment lines.
Shenandoah National Park officials are recommending that people avoid the areas of Whiteoak, Old Rag, and Big Meadows.
The power has been temporarily cut to Big Meadows and services are limited.
The Rapidan Tract of the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area is closed until further notice for safety reasons.
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Quaker Run fire update
Shenandoah National Park‘s latest update on the Quaker Run Fire is that it has burned approximately 425 acres and is 35 percent contained.
The Department of Forestry reports that firefighters continue to try to encircle the fire in very steep and rough terrain.
Smoke from the fire is visible in neighboring communities as reported by the Warren County Fire and Rescue.
While the fire is not in the park, it is close to the Old Rag and Whiteoak Boundary area.
Park officials are assisting in fighting the fire but at this time it should only impact park visitors through smoke, so plan accordingly.
Firefighters continue to install fire lines around the fire to cut fuel sources, this effort is expected to take several days.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.