News Headlines

Wildfire in Va. National Park 55 Pct Contained

Posted: 7:38 AM Jul 5, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) -- More than 55 percent of a wildfire in Shenandoah National Park in Page County has been contained.

The U.S. Forest Service says the Neighborhood Mountain fire has burned 2,163 acres since it was sparked by lightning on June 26. The fire is expected to be fully contained by July 15.

The park says the fire has closed the Appalachian Trail between Elkwallow and Beahms Gap, Jeremys Run, Neighbor Mountain, Knob Mountain and Knob Mountain Cutoff. Jeremys Run Overlook and the Byrds Nest No. 4 shelter also are closed.

Another fire sparked by lightning in the George Washington National Forest in Shenandoah and Warren counties is 80 percent contained. The fire began June 25.