November 22, 2023Shenandoah National Park has reopened all trails in the Rapidan Camp area previously closed due to the Quaker Run Fire. These areas were closed to the public while crews worked to remove fire weakened trees. On November 17, the Quaker Run Fire was declared 100% contained. Firefighters and support staff from Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Madison County, and National Park Service worked to contain the fire, which affected 3,937 acres on private, state, and federal lands. About 700 acres were within Shenandoah’s boundary. Shenandoah National Park thanks the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team for their assistance in managing and containing the Quaker Run Fire. Shenandoah’s complete fire ban remains in effect. All open-air fires are prohibited including in picnic area and campgrounds. November 20, 2023The Appalachian Trail has reopened from Rockfish Gap to Jarman Gap after the Royal Orchard Fire. Trail closures for the Quaker Run Fire remain in effect. November 18, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.Royal Orchard Fire is 100% contained and all of Skyline Drive is open. The Appalachian Trail will remain closed from Rockfish Gap to Jarman Gap while firefighters continue "mop up" operations and monitor the fire. They expect to reopen the A.T. tomorrow. 
November 18, 2023 - 9:30 a.m.Our area received some much needed rain last night. Although not a significant amount, it did create more favorable conditions. Firefighters continue their work on both the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County and the Royal Orchard Fire near Afton, Virginia.
Fires are not permitted in any part of Shenandoah National Park due to drought conditions. November 17, 2023The Quaker Run Fire is 100% contained. At 8:00 p.m. last night, the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team transferred command to a Type 3 team. For information about fire management activities on private lands, follow www.facebook.com/ForestryVA. For information about fire management activities on NPS lands, visit https://www.nps.gov/shen or https://www.facebook.com/shenandoahNPS Today, crews assigned to the Quaker Run Fire will continue to patrol and repair trails, roads and other areas as needed. Clouds and moderate humidity are expected. This will reduce the potential for reburn or escape. The fire continues to burn well inside containment lines in small, localized areas. One crew will assist Shenandoah National Park with a new approximately 20-acre wildfire in the southern area of the park. Areas near both fires are closed to the public for safety concerns, one of which is fire weakened trees. Fire Bans: Madison County has issued a county-wide burn ban. For more information, visit https://www.madisonco.virginia.gov/AlertCenter.aspx. Shenandoah National Park has implemented a complete fire ban. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/quaker-run-fire-information.htm. Smoke: Air quality is currently moderate. Smoke from surrounding fires may contribute to air quality conditions. Additional information is available at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.htm?site=shen Closures: Trail closures remain in effect in Shenandoah National Park. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/quaker-run-fire-information.htm. The Rapidan Tract of the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area remains closed. Contact Information: Email: e-mail us For information related to activity on the state managed land, contact Greg Bilyeu, Virginia Department of Forestry, 434-981-6761The NPS Incident Management Team has moved operations to Shenandoah's HQ near Luray, VA. They are managing the area of the fire within Shenandoah National Park. New Fire ActivityYesterday evening a new fire was reported in the Rockfish/Afton area. A crew from the Quaker Run Fire has been diverted to assist with that fire, Royal Orchard Fire. The Skyline Drive is closed from Rockfish north to the Loft Mountain Area. The Appalachian Trail from Rockfish to Jarman Gap (mile 96.8) is also closed. The size is estimated at 20 acres. Significant progress was made building fire lines around the Royal Orchard Fire last night. The fire is broken down into two Divisions with the DOF on one flank and the NPS resources on the other flank. The two Divisions are currently trying to complete fire lines on the most difficult area of the fire on the slope leading down to Interstate 64 where the fire originated. This morning was spent reinforcing the fire lines that were built yesterday around the fire. The smoke we are experiencing, especially on the east side of the mountain is the compilation of fires across the state. Refer to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to track conditions. As a reminder, those with respiratory issues, children, and pregnant women should be particularly cautious. 
NPS | VA Department of Forestry November 16, 2023Yesterday, firefighters under the command of the Gold Team repaired trails within the park, including trails to Camp Hoover; removed pumps and hoses at Camp Hoover; and assisted National Park Service trail crews. They also monitored and patrolled the perimeter of the entire fire seeking new hotspots. Today, many firefighters will leave the Quaker Run Fire and travel to other fires that need additional resources. The remaining crews and engines will monitor the uncontained section of the fire’s perimeter and monitor for reburn. They will also repair trails, roads and other areas as needed. At 8 p.m. tonight, the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team will transfer command to a Type-3 team. November 15, 2023Yesterday some reburn occurred, but thanks to the thorough work done by firefighters over the last few days, containment lines held. The reburn occurred on less than an acre within containment lines on the fire’s eastern section, where firefighters quickly put it out. Crews also blew leaves off the entire eastern containment line to ensure no additional reburn would occur. A helicopter did a recon flight across the fire and saw only one smoke, which was at least 350 yards inside the containment line. Firefighters also dismantled pumps and hoses at Camp Hoover, also known as the Historic Rapidan Camp, which is no longer threatened. As of 8 p.m. last night, the Quaker Run Fire is no longer in unified command. The Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team continues to manage the fire on lands within the Shenandoah National Park. The Virginia Department of Forestry continues to manage the fire on private lands. Today, firefighters under the command of the Gold Team will repair trails within the park, including trails to Camp Hoover; remove pumps and hoses at Camp Hoover; and assist National Park Service trail crews as needed. They also will continue to monitor and patrol containment lines. November 14, 2023Yesterday, firefighters continued their vital work ahead of the predicted wind event that primarily affected ridgetops last night. They strengthened containment lines by mopping up as far as 120 feet inside the line and blowing them free of leaves, focusing heavily on the north central portion of the fireline. Improving containment lines yesterday was critical given yesterday’s predicted weather forecast. Crews checked of Camp Hoover, the Rapidan Family Camp and homes in and around Syria. Firefighters face critical fire weather conditions today due to very low relative humidity. For safety reasons, they will monitor and patrol the fire’s perimeter and be ready to respond if the fire moves outside containment lines. They will also continue to protect structures. 
NPS Photo November 13, 2023Yesterday, firefighters spent much of the day blowing leaves off containment lines and extinguishing burning material further into the fire’s interior. They also worked on downed heavy fuels like large logs and felled trees, breaking them apart to ensure all heat was extinguished. It is important that any smoldering material near firelines is mopped up and that smoking dead trees are felled to reduce the likelihood of embers crossing lines on windy days. Fire behavior was minimal—no open flames or active fire spread were observed. A few minor and isolated smokes were visible but were well within containment lines. Ahead of tonight’s possible wind event, firefighters will continue the critical work of breaking apart debris piles and downed trees, blowing containment lines free of leaves, and wetting down the edge of the fire, especially along the northern edge in the area firefighters call the “horseshoe.” They will continue to test the pumps and sprinklers at Camp Hoover, also known as the Historic Rapidan Camp, as well as monitor and patrol the Rapidan Family Camp and homes in and around Syria. Improving containment lines today is crucial as a cold front moves into the area this afternoon. 
NPS | VA Department of Forestry November 12, 2023Yesterday, firefighters had another productive day mopping up hot spots, strengthening containment lines, monitoring and patrolling. They also checked on the privately owned Rapidan Family Camp and ran sprinklers on and around Camp Hoover, also known as the Historic Rapidan Camp. Crews found several snags along containment lines and continue to remove those for safety reasons. Fire behavior was minimal, with only a few minor and isolated smokes. No one observed open flames or active fire spread. Today, firefighters will continue with similar work—remove snags, look for and mop up hot spots, strengthen and widen containment lines, monitor and patrol— in preparation for Monday night’s predicted wind event. They will again run the sprinklers around Camp Hoover, as well as check the area around the Rapidan Family Camp and homes in and around Syria. 
NPS | VA Department of Forestry November 11, 2023The fire area received about .25" rain allowing the lifting of voluntary evacuations and endangered structures. Total acres at this time is estimated at 3,832. Closures remain in place, as well as a fire ban as fighfighters monitor, patrol, and extinguish hot spots. Please continue to avoid the area. Closures in place: Wilhite Wagon Trail, Graves Mill Trail, Mill Prong Trail, Mill Prong Horse Trail, Stony Mountain Trail, Fork Mountain Trail, Laurel Prong from Cat Knob intersection, Upper Dark Hollow Trail (does NOT impact access to falls), and the lower Rapidan Fire Road beyond the portion open to bicycles. There is an area closure around Rapidan Camp (Camp Hoover). Smoke continues to be a concern. See today's update. Hikers are urged to plan hikes in areas away from the east side of central portion of the park. See hiking maps and suggestions here. A fire ban is in effect due to exceptionally dry conditions. Building, attending, maintaining, or using an open fire anywhere within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited. The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve with significant rain or snow over time, decreasing the fire hazard. Read the full press release. Big Meadows facilities continue to operate on generators. Please be prepared for limited amenities. 
NPS | VA Department of Forestry November 10, 2023Rain across much of the area has been much appreciated and firefighters continue their work! They have done a lot of preparation to protect Rapidan Camp, the National Historic Landmark within the Park. They have also held and strengthened containment lines. Closures remain in place: Wilhite Wagon Trail, Graves Mill Trail, Mill Prong Trail, Mill Prong Horse Trail, Stony Mountain Trail, Fork Mountain Trail, Laurel Prong from Cat Knob intersection, Upper Dark Hollow Trail (does NOT impact access to falls), and the lower Rapidan Fire Road beyond the portion open to bicycles. There is an area closure around Rapidan Camp (Camp Hoover). Smoke continues to be a concern. See today's update. Hikers are urged to plan hikes in areas away from the east side of central portion of the park. See hiking maps and suggestions here. A fire ban is in effect due to exceptionally dry conditions. Building, attending, maintaining, or using an open fire anywhere within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited. The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve with significant rain or snow over time, decreasing the fire hazard. Read the full press release. Big Meadows facilities continue to operate on generators. Please be prepared for limited amenities. 
Justin Shedd | NPS November 9, 2023The Park implemented additional closures to include the Rapidan Camp area near the eastern boundary in the central section of the park. The closure comprises the area around the historic camp and the trails leading to it. Read the full press release. Earlier closures included the entire length of the Graves Mill Trail from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and the entire length of the Wilhite Wagon Trail. Read the full press release. Smoke continues to be a concern. See today's update. Hikers are urged to plan hikes in areas away from the east side of central portion of the park. See hiking maps and suggestions here. A fire ban is in effect due to exceptionally dry conditions. Building, attending, maintaining, or using an open fire anywhere within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited. The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve with significant rain or snow over time, decreasing the fire hazard. Read the full press release. Big Meadows facilities continue to operate on generators. Please be prepared for limited amenities. 
Justin Shedd/NPS November 8, 2023The Park implemented additional closures today to include the Rapidan Camp area near the eastern boundary in the central section of the park (see map). The closure comprises the area around the historic camp and the trails leading to it including the following:
Earlier closures included the entire length of the Graves Mill Trail from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and the entire length of the Wilhite Wagon Trail. Read the full press release. Smoke continues to be a concern. See today's update. Hikers are urged to plan hikes in areas away from the east side of central portion of the park. See hiking maps and suggestions here. Big Meadows facilities continue to operate on generators. Please be prepared for limited amenities. 
Kevin Moses/NPS Staff November 7, 2023A fire ban is in effect immediately due to exceptionally dry conditions. Building, attending, maintaining, or using an open fire anywhere within the boundaries of the Park is prohibited. The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve with significant rain or snow over time, decreasing the fire hazard. This ban includes: - All wood, charcoal, coal, or other solid-fuel open air fires. Full News Release: Shenandoah National Park imposes fire ban - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Hiking Advisory - Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Trails are open but at times are impacted by dense smoke which may reach UNHEALTHY to VERY UNHEALTHY levels. These are strenuous trails requiring prolonged heavy exertion. Smoke sensitive groups are advised to avoid these trails and everyone is encouraged to take precautions as conditions can change quickly. The Quaker Run fire has burned approximately 2800 acres on private, state, and federal lands with about 670 acres within Shenandoah's boundary. Smoke continues to be a concern. The public can get daily updates on the air quality situation via the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Updates are published by 8:00 a.m. each morning. The fire is in the central part of the park near the eastern boundary. Firefighters have established containment lines around the entire perimeter; however fire has breached in a couple of areas which are being addressed. The power line that supplies the Big Meadows area has been de-energized for firefighter safety. Big Meadows Wayside, the visitor center, and the campground are open utilizing generators. Some visitor amenities may be affected. Big Meadows Lodge is closed for the season. Smoke is heaviest in the communities of Syria and Madison, which are closest to the fire, and in the central portion of the Park near Big Meadows, Whiteoak, and Old Rag. Smoke typically settles into low lying areas in the evening and overnight, remains heavy in those areas in the morning and lifts out in early afternoon. Smoke impacts at Big Meadows are usually most noticeable in early afternoon as the smoke is lifting or in the evening when smoke begins to settle. Hikers are encouraged to avoid the central part of the park. Check our hiking page for recommendations. 
Justin Shedd/NPS November 6, 2023Hiking Advisory - Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Trails are open but at times are impacted by dense smoke which may reach UNHEALTHY to VERY UNHEALTHY levels. These are strenuous trails requiring prolonged heavy exertion. Smoke sensitive groups are advised to avoid these trails and everyone is encouraged to take precautions as conditions can change quickly. The Quaker Run fire has burned approximately 2800 acres on private, state, and federal lands with about 670 acres within Shenandoah's boundary. Smoke continues to be a concern. The public can get daily updates on the air quality situation via the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Updates are published by 8:00 a.m. each morning. The fire is in the central part of the park near the eastern boundary. Firefighters have established containment lines around the entire perimeter; however fire has breached in a couple of areas which are being addressed. The power line that supplies the Big Meadows area has been de-energized for firefighter safety. Big Meadows Wayside, the visitor center, and the campground are open utilizing generators. Some visitor amenities may be affected. Big Meadows Lodge is closed for the season. Smoke is heaviest in the communities of Syria and Madison, which are closest to the fire, and in the central portion of the Park near Big Meadows, Whiteoak, and Old Rag. Smoke typically settles into low lying areas in the evening and overnight, remains heavy in those areas in the morning and lifts out in early afternoon. Smoke impacts at Big Meadows are usually most noticeable in early afternoon as the smoke is lifting or in the evening when smoke begins to settle. Hikers are encouraged to avoid the central part of the park. Check our hiking page for recommendations. 
Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry November 5, 2023Hiking Advisory - Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Trails are open but at times are impacted by dense smoke which may reach UNHEALTHY to VERY UNHEALTHY levels. These are strenuous trails requiring prolonged heavy exertion. Smoke sensitive groups are advised to avoid these trails and everyone is encouraged to take precautions as conditions can change quickly. The Quaker Run fire has burned approximately 2115 acres on private, state, and federal lands with about 550 acres within Shenandoah's boundary. Smoke continues to be a concern. The public can get daily updates on the air quality situation via the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Updates are published by 8:00 a.m. each morning. The fire is in the central part of the park near the eastern boundary. Firefighters have established containment lines around the entire perimeter; however fire has breached in a couple of areas which are being addressed. The power line that supplies the Big Meadows area has been de-energized for firefighter safety. Big Meadows Wayside, the visitor center, and the campground are open utilizing generators. Big Meadows Lodge closes for the season today. Some visitor amenities may be impacted. 
Virginia Department of Forestry November 4, 2023The entire length of the Graves Mill Trail from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and the entire length of the Wilhite Wagon Trail will remain closed until further notice as firefighters continue efforts to suppress the Quaker Run Fire. Smoky conditions may be present in the central part of the park, particularly near Whiteoak, Old Rag, and Big Meadows, due to a fire burning on private, public, and park land on the eastern boundary. Power has been temporarily cut to the Big Meadows area. We are utilizing generators so all facilities remain open, but some services may be limited. Check operating hours to see 2023 closing dates for facilities in the Big Meadows area. Please monitor this page or our social media for updates as conditions change. Full News Release: Shenandoah National Park Closes Trails for Quaker Run Fire - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) |
Last updated: November 22, 2023