Fire at Kentucky's Natural Bridge park continues, with trails closed this weekend

Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Trails at Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Resort Park remain closed heading into the weekend as crews continue to fight a fire that has spread over more than 100 acres.

The wildfire is currently 65% contained, the U.S. Forest Service said in a social media post late Thursday, with 125 acres burned. The massive Red River Gorge nature preserve remains open but portions of the adjacent Natural Bridge park are not accessible as containment efforts continue, with a helicopter capable of dumping 600 gallons of water supporting operations.

A "red flag" warning was in place Thursday, with weather conditions that heightened the possibility of new fires developing. Temperatures in the region have cooled heading into the weekend, though – the forecast in Slade, Kentucky, calls for overnight showers heading into Saturday, with highs over the next two days in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

The fire began Monday, prompting a response from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service Daniel Boone National Forest and other local fire response agencies. Its cause is still under investigation.

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Cliffs, arches and other natural formations that give the preserve its unique character have made the response more difficult, Kentucky Division of Forestry Director Brandon Howard previously said. Responding agencies have noted visibility on the nearby KY-11 roadway may be impacted by smoke and called on visitors to avoid flying drones in the area, as their presence will ground helicopter support.

Known for the massive stone arch that gave it its name, Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located in Powell and Wolfe counties and is a popular site for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. It's about a two-hour drive from Louisville.

More updates about the fire are available on the Kentucky State Parks website and through the Natural Bridge State Resort Park’s Facebook page.

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Red River Gorge: Natural Bridge Fire continues