A fire in the central section of the Shenandoah National Park (SNP) that was first reported on September 8 continues to keep firefighters busy September 13.

Currently 18 firefighters from the National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service Idaho City Hotshots have approximately 50 percent of the fire contained.

The firefighters have now dug fire lines all the way around the fire containing it to approximately 2 and half acres of park property.

The terrain in what’s known as the Millers Head area is extremely steep and rocky with fire crews hiking into the area.

The fire is believed to have been caused by lightening setting leaf litter ablaze.

Some rain has fallen which is helping to dampen the fire, but it is not out as of September 13.

Caution is always advised while using fire in the Shenandoah National Park.

Cooking should only be done in park-built fire grates at picnic and campgrounds.

Make sure the fire is completely out, stirred and watered down before leaving.

Another concern is heat from cars in grassy areas causing a fire.

As of the last report the park is still fully opened but smoke may be visible in various locations.

No park facilities or trails are in harm’s way currently.

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