CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The portions of Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail near Rockfish Gap that were closed because of a wildfire on Bear Den Mountain have reopened as firefighters and Mother Nature continue a dousing job.
Skyline Drive had been closed between Rockfish Gap (mile 104.6) and Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), and the trail between Rockfish Gap and the Turk Gap parking lot (mile 94.1) since Sunday from the fire that ignited Saturday night.
With the help of some rain showers, firefighters were able as of Tuesday night to have 80% of a 22-acre fire contained.
Park Service’s Allysah Fox said the fire’s more of a smolder now in timber and leaf litter in very steep, rocky terrain.
No park structures are threatened.
“The rapid response of resources allowed us to develop a plan of action before it was safe to engage,” said Fire Management Officer Derek Casbon. “The combined efforts of the National Park Service and our cooperators are critical to ensure we contain the fire as efficiently as possible.”
The park is aided in this effort by New River Gorge National Park, Virginia Department of Forestry, and a contracted hand crew.
