What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of November 9, 2023, the Quaker Run fire has burned 670 acres in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (1). In total, the fire has burned 2,480 acres across the state.

The Quaker Run fire and the Tuggles Gap fire in Patrick County have prompted Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to declare a state of emergency.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

• Madison County, Virginia: The Quaker Run wildfire in Madison County, located about 95 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., has burned an estimated 2,480 acres.
• Patrick County, Virginia: Crews are battling the Tuggles Gap fire, near the North Carolina line.
• Shenandoah National Park: The Quaker Run fire has also burned about 670 acres within Shenandoah National Park, located in the central part of the park near the eastern boundary. Smoke impacts various areas within the park.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The Quaker Run fire has established containment lines around the entire perimeter, but the fire has breached in a couple of areas that firefighters are addressing. It's estimated that it would take firefighters at least two weeks to completely put out the Madison County fire.

The 850-acre Tuggles Gap fire is at around 35 percent containment (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for Virginia on November 7, 2023 (3).

In addition, some fire bans and hiking advisories have been issued.

• The Madison County fire had not damaged any buildings as of the information provided. However, the county sheriff's office urged residents north of 681 Finks Hollow Lane to evacuate as a precaution.
• A fire ban is in effect within Shenandoah National Park due to exceptionally dry conditions, prohibiting open fires anywhere in the park (4).
• Hiking Advisory: Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Trails are open, but they are at times impacted by dense smoke, reaching unhealthy to very unhealthy levels. Smoke-sensitive groups are advised to avoid these trails.
• Smoke is heaviest in the communities of Syria and Madison, which are closest to the fire, and in the central portion of the park near Big Meadows, Whiteoak, and Old Rag.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.