Rehab Work Getting Under Way on Fire-Scorched Landscape in Shenandoah National Park

Five days after a wildfire swept into Shenandoah National Park, crews were at work Wednesday rehabbing areas that had been scorched by the flames.

Park officials said crews were doing "emergency stabilization work on firelines along
the park boundary. The purpose of this task is to prevent erosion along firelines dug in steep terrain and reduce the likelihood of invasive plants spreading into the park."

The work entailed scattering berms that had been built along the firelines and installing water bars across firelines. Trees weakened by the fire, which covered nearly 2,000 acres in the park, were to be cut down, as well, for visitors' safety.

As conditions permit, crews will also be removing hazardous trees along the Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail, and other trails, park officials said.

As of mid-day Wednesday the entire length of Skyline Drive remained closed due to snow and ice. The fire also has prompted the following trail closures: Mt. Marshall Trail from Skyline Drive to the intersection at the Bluff Trail; Appalachian Trail between Compton Gap and the Browntown Trail; Lands Run Gap Fire Road; and the Jenkins Gap Trail.