[at-l] =?Windows-1252?Q?Closures_of_James_River_Face_Wilderness_including_10_=BD?==?Windows-1252?Q?_miles_of_the_AT?=

[daveh@psknet.com (Dave Hicks)]

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
5162 Valleypointe Parkway
Roanoke, VA  24019
(540) 265-5100

Contact:  Marbleyard Fire Information Center (540) 261-6176

June 12, 2002,      11:00 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


FIRE UPDATE IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

Buena Vista, Virginia--  Suppression efforts continue on the Marbleyard
Fire, located 5 miles south of Natural Bridge.  The fire, which was
detected on June 5th and is suspected to be caused by lightning, has
reached 350 acres.  Although no structures are threatened at this time,
the primary focus of the firefighting efforts is the protection of
nearby private homes and property.  Closures are in effect for the James
River Face Wilderness and adjacent national forest lands, 10 ½ miles of
the Appalachian Trail within the wilderness, and through traffic on
Petites Gap Road.  Visitors to adjacent portions of the Blue Ridge
Parkway may experience delays due to smoke.

The Marbleyard Fire is located primarily in the James River Face
Wilderness where the terrain is extremely steep and rocky.  In addition,
beetle-killed pine and gypsy moth defoliated hardwoods dominate the
area, creating an increase of fuel for the fire and safety hazards for
the firefighters fighting the blaze.  The current high temperatures and
low humidities increase the serious conditions.  Direct attack with hand
crews would be very dangerous, so a containment strategy is planned for
large portions of the James River Face Wilderness and adjacent national
forest lands.  Although air operations have been effective, the fire
continues to spread further east into the wilderness area.  Resources
committed to the fire include several hand crews, a dozer and an engine.
Air operations will continue throughout the day.  Containment of the
fire is not expected before June 18th, 2002.  The closure will remain in
effect until the fire is controlled, which may take several weeks.

A new fire, located 20 miles northeast of Buena Vista, was detected on
June 11th.  Called the Kennedy Fire, this new fire is currently at 20
acres and is expected to be contained today.

The Chicken Fire, located in Rockbridge County eight miles northeast of
Buena Vista, was contained Tuesday evening, burning 740 acres.  Mop-up
activity continues and smoke is likely throughout the area.  State Route
603 remains closed.

Agencies assisting with the firefighting efforts include Buena Vista and
Fairfield Volunteer Fire Departments, the States of Virginia, North
Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, and Arkansas, the National Park Service
and the USDA Forest Service.

Funding from the National Fire Plan contributed greatly to the Forest
Service's ability to fight these fires.

-USFS-