Through windy conditions, fire crews are still working to contain “Rocky Mtn Fire 2016” with Shenandoah National Park reporting that 5,616 acres of land have been affected as of yesterday evening.
Thus far, more than 260 personnel have stopped the spread of fires in several dozen areas, according to park officials. Four helicopters have also been called to the scene, and fire crews are providing structure protection to a couple of nearby communities.
Yesterday, windy weather brought the fire’s smoke across central Virginia, coloring the skies around Charlottesville and Harrisonburg “a murky orange-brown,” the Capital Weather Gang reported. As winds continue to blow from the south and southwest, the D.C. region could possibly see some of that smoke as well, according the CWG.
Despite the winds, park officials report that “fire crews picked up multiple spot fires, catching, and containing all of them.” But they are preparing for a cold front that could possibly bring 10-15 mph winds with gusts up to 25 mph later today. Tomorrow, rain is expected in the region, however, there’s “low confidence” that the area will get enough showers to make a meaningful impact.
Park officials received reports of the wildfire on Saturday—at the time it only covered 200 acres. The fire is currently burning laurel, pine, and oak forests with “heavier than average leaf litter and duff.” More than a dozen trails have closed since the fire took hold of the park’s south district.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Luray, Va., about 85 miles west of the District. It stretches 196 acres.
While the cause of the fire is under investigation, park officials expect that it’s likely human caused.
