Fishing temporarily suspended at Shenandoah National Park

VIRGINIA, USA — Visitors to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia are being asked to refrain from fishing temporarily after the area began experiencing drought conditions. 

Officials say the park's streams and rivers are closed to fishing due to low stream flows and high water temperatures. The closure is intended to help the long-term health of the fish populations in the park.

Since the park is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, also known as drought conditions, and below-average humidity there is also a moderate fire danger.

Residents visiting the park are asked to use park-built fire grates and to not leave fires unattended at any time. Anyone who sees fire or smoke in the park is asked to call 1-800-732-0911.

For all the alerts in effect at the park, click here.

A woman who worked as a firefighter in Virginia has died from injuries she suffered in a crash in July, the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department said. Mia Ethridge, who her department called a "spitfire," was in fire truck that crashed in July while working as a firefighter/EMT in Louisa County, Virginia for the Louisa County Department of Fire/EMS.