Shenandoah National Park plans prescribed burn in Big Meadows

Contact: Allysah Fox, 540-624-8320

LURAY, VA - Fire managers at Shenandoah National Park plan to burn approximately 145 acres of Big Meadows Monday, November 17, 2025, weather permitting. A notice will be posted on the park's website and social media platforms. Fire managers anticipate one day of operations to complete the project.

A portion of Big Meadows (mile 51 on Skyline Drive), the open area across from Byrd Visitor Center, is burned for the purpose of maintaining the open vista and reducing the potential for wildfire by preventing encroachment from small trees and shrubs and reducing grass and shrub cover.

Prescribed burns are ignited by fire managers under a pre-determined set of conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, fuel moisture and resource availability. Prescribed burns will be conducted as interagency projects, with local support, under the guidance and direction of trained and experienced National Park Service personnel.

Smoke from the burn may be visible in and around the Big Meadows area. Visitors driving in areas of smoke should take additional care by slowing down and ensuring their headlights are on. All park facilities will remain open during the prescribed burn. Access to Rapidan Road and areas of Big Meadows east of Rapidan Road will be restricted during the burn. Areas of Big Meadows west of Rapidan Road will be closed during the burn through Tuesday, November 18.