Forest fires continued to scorch Shenandoah National Park yesterday, as the second longest dry spell in Charlottesville's recorded history drags on.
Park officials said it is not known when the flames will burn out, but the dangerously dry conditions prolonging the fires are expected to persist throughout the weekend.
The dry leaves on the forest floor are making it more difficult to control the fires, said Jerry Stenger, research coordinator for the State Climatology Office.
Stenger noted that in the past month the area received only .1 inches of rain, the most meager amount since December 1896.
Two different Shenandoah mountains are blazing - Old Rag and The Pinnacles, which are located to the north in Luray, Va. At last report, 1,500 acres were in flames.
David Coffman, fire information coordinator for the Virginia Dept. of Forestry, said current investigations report an unattended campfire started the blaze.
More firefighters are added daily to help keep the fires from spreading any further.
"We have brought in 550 firefighters from across the nation to help man fire stations and try to bring the fire under control," Coffman said.
For the most part the fire still is contained in the park, but some flames have spread outside the park and onto private property.
While officials have not yet evacuated any homes, equipment is in place and firefighters are ready for this possibility.
"We have issued information on how to prepare for evacuation, but this hasn't become necessary and we hope it won't," Shenandoah National Park spokeswoman Claire Comer said.
The fires are approaching the largest in the park's history, Comer said.
Officials stressed the importance of exercising caution in open-air burning, especially in forested areas.
"It is particularly important for people wandering around on a beautiful day to realize it doesn't take more than a spark to start a major fire," Coffman said.
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