Rocky Branch Wildfire in SNP now in ‘mop-up mode’

The physical footprint of the Rocky Branch Wildfire in Shenandoah National Park (SNP) hasn’t changed since Saturday’s rain but improved mapping of the area had delineated a smaller land mass, officials said Monday morning.

Officials said Monday the fire "is 25 percent contained.

"Decreases in acreage of the fire reflect better mapping,” a park official said. "The rain has decreased fire behavior and firefighters continue to refine mapping by walking the fire perimeter.”

Officials state they are now in "mop-up mode.”

Sunday’s weather brought cold temperatures, low humidity, and mild winds following Saturday’s rain event.

Officials believe Monday’s weather is expected to be sunny with temperatures 50- to 60-degrees and 20- to 35-percent humidity with light winds from the northeast in the morning shifting to the southeast in the afternoon.

Winds will be 10 miles per hour along the ridgetops.

Fire behavior is expected to be minimal with creeping fire and smoldering of logs and stumps. The warmer and drier weather will help firefighters detect more hotspots.

There is a slight chance of rain Tuesday night.

Firefighters looked for hotspots in Kemp Hollow and continued to secure control lines around private property. Along Skyline Drive, firefighters scouted for hazardous trees and hotspots to ensure the area was safe for firefighters and park visitors once the area reopens.

Firefighters will continue mop-up along Skyline Drive and Kemp Hollow structures on Monday. Fire inside Wilderness areas will continue to be monitored, and crews will focus their efforts on removing hazardous trees along Skyline Drive and clearing fallen trees on the Appalachian Trail.

Firefighters continue to improve mapping, especially on the west side of the fire.

Officials said there are 59 personnel on the fire including firefighters, engines, and overhead.

Previously closed trails remain closed as is Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap at the Page-Rappahannock County border to Mathews Arm Campground (MP 22.1).

Byrds Nest 4 also remains closed.