LURAY, Va. — Big Meadows and Rapidan Road in Shenandoah National Park are closed to the public for three days this week while fire crews conduct a prescribed burn.
Personnel with the United States Wildland Fire Service plan to conduct the burn from 6 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, through 6 p.m. Thursday, November 12.
Smoke may be visible in and around Big Meadows during the burn.
Motorists traveling through areas affected by smoke are urged to slow down and turn on their headlights.
Prescribed burns are carefully planned fires conducted under specific weather and environmental conditions to help manage vegetation and reduce the buildup of flammable materials.
Before igniting a fire, crews evaluate several factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, moisture levels in vegetation and the availability of firefighting resources.
The operation will be conducted in coordination with other agencies and local partners under the supervision of trained and experienced United States Wildland Fire Service personnel.
Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, Shenandoah National Park encompasses portions of eight counties.
Each year, millions visit the area, which includes the 105-mile Skyline Drive and 75 designated scenic overlooks.
The park also includes established campgrounds and 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, on which visitors hike and often overnight camp.
For updates about general park conditions and closures, click HERE.