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Augusta County: Big Levels fire up to 375 acres, expected to grow

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The Big Levels fire in Augusta County has grown to 375 acres, as firefighters from the USDA Forest Service, Virginia Department of Forestry and Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Department work to construct control lines near a small piece of private property adjacent to the fire.

With no rain in the forecast this weekend, the fire is expected to continue to grow within the Saint Mary’s Wilderness on the George Washington National Forest. Residents will continue to see smoke for the next several days as firefighters work to contain the fire.

The following roads and trails remain temporarily closed for public safety:

  • Cellar Mountain Trail (#587)
  • Cold Springs Trail (#524)
  • Bald Mountain Spur Road (FSR#162A)

The following additional roads and trails will be temporarily closed beginning on Sunday:

  • Saint Mary’s Trail (#500)
  • Saint Mary’s Gorge Trail (#500B)
  • Bald Mountain Jeep Trail (FSR#162)

For more information, refer to the GWJNF website, go to Facebook or contact the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger District at 540-291-2188.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

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