Skyline Drive reopened after fire

It's been almost two weeks since the day wildfires broke out statewide during extremely high winds and ideal fire conditions. Since that time, fire fighters have remained on the scene through more windy days, working to containing ever-growing forest fires that have consumed thousands of acres of mountain terrain.

The National Park Service announced earlier this week that the northern end of Skyline Drive is now reopened after a fire in that area has been completely contained:

The Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal to Route 211 has reopened after the week-long closure due to the Smith Run Fire. The 105-mile scenic roadway through the park is now open its entire length. All trails previously closed due to the fire are also open. This includes Mt. Marshall Trail from Skyline Drive to the intersection at the Bluff Trail; Appalachian Trail between Compton Gap and the Browntown Trail; Lands Run Gap Fire Road; and the Jenkins Gap Trail.

Park firefighters will continue to monitor the area during the next week. Some smoke may be visible over the next few days, but it is expected to be well within the containment area. As always, hikers are encouraged to stay on the trails, particularly in the burned areas.

The Coffman fire west of Harrisonburg that has burned over 2,000 acres in Rockingham County has also been 100 percent contained with fire fighters monitoring the area. The Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains received rain earlier this week.