Image: Rocky Mountain fire in Virginia from orbit
Friday, April 22, 2016 - 06:30
in Earth & Climate
The Rocky Mountain portion of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is experiencing an early fire season wildfire. The satellite image was taken by the Aqua satellite on April 20, 2016. The fire began on April 16, 2016 and has spread to 5,616 acres at present. It is currently 1% contained with active creeping wind driven fire runs occurring. Weather concerns are that the area is experiencing continued hot and dry conditions. Another frontal passage will bring limited rainfall with dry and windy conditions to follow which will contribute to extreme fire danger. The cause of the fire is being investigated but it most likely human in nature according to Inciweb. The following trails are currently closed due to the fire: