Fire on Appalachian Trail in Craig County 90% contained

The fire burning on both sides of the Appalachian Trail in Craig County is nearly contained.

The U.S. Forest Service says crews have the Cabin Fire 90% contained.  The flames have scorched 16 acres since this past weekend.  Firefighters still do not know what sparked it.

The Forest Service says the trail remains closed from Route 42 north of Newport to Route 621.  There is still some burning of wood debris along the trail.  Forest Service staff is shuttling hikers between Route 42 and Route 621. 

More information from the forest service:

-  Fire efforts are slowed by lack of water at the fire location.  Lee Branch is dry and the terrain is too steep and rough to carry water to the site.

-  The Appalachian trail has been cleared of hazardous trees.  The fire burned alongside approximately 900 feet of the Appalachian Trail.  The Niday Shelter was downslope of the fire and not affected. The Forest Service will work with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to rehabilitate the trail in the burned area.

-  Residents of Sinking Creek and Craig Creek valleys may see and smell minimal smoke during the day and especially at night.