LURAY, Va. (WRIC) — Rain that fell over parts of Shenandoah National Park has helped firefighters make progress in containing the Rocky Branch Fire.
As of Saturday, March 23 at around 3 p.m., the Rocky Branch Fire in Shenandoah National Park has decreased in size from 1,188 to 987 acres burning timber litter, with 10% of the fire contained.
The Southern Area Red Complex Incident Management Team arrived to manage the Rocky Branch Fire and assumed command at 8 a.m. Saturday. The total personnel helping to put out the fire is 50 with more reportedly on the way.
According to a spokesperson for the Southern Area Red Team, rain in the area has helped firefighters make good progress in containing the Rocky Branch Fire.
Shenandoah National Park Headquarters Remote Automated Weather Station has recorded 1.16 inches of rain over the last 24 hours, which has slowed the fire’s spread.
Weather in the area of the Rocky Branch Fire Saturday is expected to be cloudy with a 90 to 100% chance of rain, with up to 0.75 to 1.25 inches to fall over the fire area.
Firefighters are continuing to monitor the fire in Kemp Hollow by using established dozer lines along the southern edge of the fire perimeter, as well as monitoring the fire perimeter during rain.
According to a spokesperson for the park, the fire started in the afternoon Wednesday, March 20 and was estimated to be 450 acres, and fire officials estimated 10% of the fire had been contained.
On Friday, March 22, the park reported the fire was estimated to be 1,188 acres and had been 10% contained Friday morning.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and a complete fire ban is still in place for Shenandoah National Park.
The following trails, shelters and roads at Shenandoah National Park remain closed due to the Rocky Branch Fire:
- Appalachian Trail from Elkwallow to Beahms Gap
- Rocky Branch
- Neighbor Mountain
- Jeremys Run
- Byrds Nest 4 shelter
- Hull School Trail from Skyline Drive to Thornton River Upper Trail
- Thornton River Upper Trail from the intersection of Hull School Trail to Skyline Drive
- Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap to Mathews Arm Campground
