Home Augusta County: Big Levels fire 70 percent contained; still searching for hot spots
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Augusta County: Big Levels fire 70 percent contained; still searching for hot spots

Crystal Graham
Big Level fire snp hot spots firefighter
File photo courtesy National Forest Service

The Big Levels fire in Augusta County is now nearly 70 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service incident management team.

As a result of significant progress putting out the wildfire, the St. Mary’s and St. Mary’s Gorge trails are now open.

The fire showed very little activity on Friday as most larger fuels have smoldered down over the last few days. Fire personnel will continue to inspect the perimeter on Saturday to identify any lingering hot spots.

Light precipitation is anticipated on Sunday.

An InfraRed drone will operate again on Saturday over the fire area searching for interior hot spots. No interior hot spots were detected on Friday.

Closures remain implemented in the fire area.

 Closures due to Big Levels fire


The following areas are temporarily closed to all public use due to the Big Levels fire to allow for public and firefighter safety:

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

The national forest system lands north of the Cellar Mountain and within the area bounded by the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail (FSR#162) and the Coal Road (FSR#42) are also closed.

More information


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

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

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