Steep Valley Fire Closure Info

AREA CLOSURE ORDER for the Steep Valley Fire Effective at 6:00am Monday, November 13, 2023, pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5 (a), the following acts are prohibited in the War Ridge and Backus Mountain area of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

PROHIBITIONS: 1. All visitor use, use for research, concession use, commercial use authorizations, special use permits, and hunting activity, are prohibited in the areas described below. 36 CFR 1.5 (a)

AREA DESCRIBED: (See Map: Steep Valley Fire Closure - November 13, 2023) All areas of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are closed within the following description. All National Park Service (NPS) lands located south of the southern state road right-of way of WV County Route 41; beginning at the Quinnimont railroad switching and holding yard [Quinnimont, WV], and proceeding south along County Route 41 to Backus Branch Road, then south of the state road right-of-way of Backus Mountain Road to War Ridge Access Road. The closure turns south at War Ridge Access Road and continues to the northern edge of the CSX railroad line right-of-way, then west along the line to the Quinnimont railroad switching and holding yard. The closure area is completely within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. No private property is affected by the Area Closure Order for the Steep Valley Fire.

PURPOSE: This closure is implemented due to wildland fire to provide for the safety of park visitors and employees, and for the protection of the park’s natural resources.

IMPLEMENTATION: 1. This Order shall be in effect at 6:00am Monday, November 13, 2023, and shall remain in effect until further notice. 2. This Order supersedes, rescinds, and replaces any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this order. Any violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000.00 for individuals and/or imprisonment for no more than six (6) months.