QUINNIMONT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Steep Valley Fire in the New River Gorge is currently at 2,028 acres with 70% of the fire contained as of Monday evening.
According to officials with New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, with the increase in fire activity, smoke will be present within the gorge and could linger for a few days.
The possibility of heavy smoke from the Steep Valley Fire may limit visibility to the motoring public. An air resource advisor is regularly monitoring smoke levels, according to park officials.
With the potential of increased smoke in the area today, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects within 24 hours of exposure.
During suppression efforts, firefighters make tactical decisions that include burning out pockets of fuels to help strengthen existing lines.
On Monday, a helicopter was utilized to support firefighting operations with bucket drops of water on the eastern edge of the fire.
A closure order is in place for all National Park Service lands bounded by the New River on the south and west to the town of Quinnimont, due east along State Highway 41 to the intersection of Backus-Red Spring road, then continues directly south to the CSX railroad right of way at the river.
This expansion of the closure order was implemented out of an abundance of caution for firefighter safety. The remainder of the park is open for normal hours of operation.
Should fire activity and conditions change, park management will reassess for any needs to adjust park operations.
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