Update on wildfire
JMU Headlines
Update: April 21, 8:45 a.m., Information from Rockingham County Emergency Services:
As of 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016, the combined efforts of the Shenandoah National Park, Southern Area Incident Management (Red) Team, Virginia Department of Forestry, Rockingham County Department of Fire & Rescue, Elkton, Grottoes, and McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Departments and Elkton Volunteer Rescue Squad continue to work to contain the Rocky Mount Fire.
The Fire as of 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening was estimated to have burned over 5,600 acres in the Shenandoah National Park. Fire activities are expected to continue for at least seven (7) to ten (10) more days. Crews continue to establish containment lines to protect private property on the north, west and south sides of the fire. Burn out is being used by fire responders as a prevention technique to widen the safety zones and prevent the fire from escaping the containment lines.
Based on an expected change in prevailing wind direction to the south west this evening and through the day tomorrow, residents should expect increased smoke in areas to the north of the fire, including the Berrytown Road and Sun Valley areas, and the Town of Elkton. Persons with asthmatic or other breathing issues should take necessary precautions.
Update: April 20, 3:00 p.m.
A wildfire located southeast of Harrisonburg is burning in the Shenandoah National Park. The fire was first reported on Saturday and has grown to nearly 5,600 acres. The fire poses no threat to the James Madison University campus. However, winds have shifted today bringing smoke and an acrid smell to the greater Harrisonburg area. Firefighters from all over the east coast are working to contain the fire.
Members of the community with respiratory or pulmonary conditions should limit their exposure to the smoke. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires. Students should contact the University Health Center at 540-568-6178 with questions or concerns. Others should contact their local health care provider.
