Wildfire in Shenandoah National Park now 60% contained

LURAY — Mop-up efforts are currently underway at the Millers Head Fire in Shenandoah National Park. The approximately two-and-a-half-acre fire is 60% contained as of Wednesday, according to an update from National Park Service.

Firefighters have established a fire line around the fire perimeter and are extinguishing hot spots throughout the area to keep it from reigniting trees, grass, or other natural forest debris.

Firefighters from the National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and a Fire Department Engine crew for the State of Colorado have been actively working to contain the fire since it started late afternoon on Friday, Sept. 8.

On Sept. 7, Shenandoah National Park issued a high fire danger advisory due to high temperatures and drought conditions. The park received less than two inches of rain in July and August, and only had a total of 25.94 inches of rain, considerably off the mark to reach the yearly average of 56.54, the advisory said.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a drought warning advisory for seven counties concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of the Commonwealth, including portions of the Shenandoah Valley and Augusta County, and a drought watch advisory for 13 counties in the state.

Initial reports indicate the fire is naturally caused. Park structures are not affected by the fire and all park trails and facilities are open.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Wildfire in Shenandoah National Park now 60% contained