GROTTOES, Va. (AP) - Cleanup is ongoing in Shenandoah National Park, more than a week after firefighters contained the second largest fire in the park's history.
Shenandoah's Fire Response Team spokeswoman Barb Stewart tells The News-Virginian that she is unsure how long the cleanup and recovery process will take.
Although the Rocky Mountain fire was declared contained on April 29, crews still had to work on controlling and cooling down any remaining hot spots before the cleanup process could begin.
At its height, the fire stretched across more than 10,000 acres.
Stewart says the fire can help the forest regenerate. In fact, she says new growth has already begun.
All trails previously closed due to the fire are open.
Investigators have not determined what caused the fire.
