The Steep Valley Fire remains at 2,206 acres and is 100 percent contained as of Monday evening, Nov. 20, according to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The closure order has been lifted for the fire area, and visitors should use extreme caution due to fire-weakened trees. People are encouraged however, to avoid the area due to hazardous conditions. “Firefighters will continue to monitor any remaining pockets of minimal activity and will respond as necessary,” said Nicholas DePaulo, Incident Commander Trainee. “We continue to ask the public’s assistance in being aware of their surroundings so that everyone stays safe in the reopened area,” DePaulo continued.
