Light Rain Helps Shenandoah Firefighting Effort

Firefighters trying to contain a forest fire in the Shenandoah National Park got some help from a light but steady rain.

Dan Bastion, a spokesman for the multi-agency firefighting effort, says the blaze has scorched nearly 9,000 acres since April 15. It was a little over 40 percent contained Saturday.

Low humidity earlier in the week contributed to the fire's intensity, but Bastion says about two-tenths of an inch of rain knocked the flames down Friday. Light showers continued Saturday as 342 firefighters from 33 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico battled the fire. No property damage or injuries have been reported.

The park advised people to keep drones out of the area as fire aircraft have to be grounded every time a drone is spotted.

Several trails and roads were closed, including about 17 miles of the Appalachian Trail, from Blackrock Gap to Powell Gap, and a 22-mile stretch of Skyline Drive, from Swift Run Gap to Blackrock Gap.

Other closures include:

Rockytop Trail