National Park Service firefighters are working alongside New River Gorge National Park, Virginia Department of Forestry, and a contracted hand crew to suppress the Bear Den Mountain Fire burning in Shenandoah National Park.
According to the National Park Service, the wildfire started late Sunday evening, November 16th. Investigators aren’t certain of the cause. It covers approximately 22 acres of steep, rocky terrain and is continuing to smolder in timber and leaf litter. About 80% of the fire has been contained as of last update.
Skyline Drive between Rockyfish Gap and Loft Mountain and the Appalachian Trail between Rockfish Gap and the Turk Gap parking area were closed on Tuesday, November 18th, though plans were to reopen the areas on Wednesday at 8am.
“The rapid response of resources allowed us to develop a plan of action before it was safe to engage. The combined efforts of the National Park Service and our cooperators are critical to ensure we contain the fire as efficiently as possible.” – Fire Management Officer Derek Casbon.
A parkwide fire ban was put in place on Sunday, November 16th, at 8am, ectending to Monday, November 17th, at 8pm. That ban has since been lifted.
