Home Augusta County: Further spread of Big Levels fire unlikely after rainfall on Wednesday
Local

Augusta County: Further spread of Big Levels fire unlikely after rainfall on Wednesday

Crystal Graham

big levels fire update With nearly one inch of rain falling on Wednesday, the Big Levels fire in Augusta County is mostly contained with further fire spread unlikely.

The total acres impacted by the fire has been revised to 1,627 after personnel used GPS and a mapping system to get a better estimate.

Winds today will gust up to 30 mph, and colder temperatures will set out allowing finer fuels to begin to dry out again.

Fire personnel are monitoring the area for any lingering hot spots that may threaten the containment line. The perimeter will be protected to watch for any embers jumping the line.

A helicopter will be available to support efforts as needed.

A drone is in operation over the fire area searching for hot spots.

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)
  • Saint Mary’s trail (FT#500)
  • Saint Mary’s Gorge trail (FT#500B)

The national forest system lands north of the Saint Mary’s Trail (#500) 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.

Support AFP




Multimedia

 

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]

Latest News

fox news
Trump's America

The rise of socialism, seen through the lens of, $100 caviar hot dogs

russia
Trump's America

Kaine, Beyer differ on Russia sanctions bill passed by U.S. Senate

A big bipartisan U.S. Senate majority voted to pass a package of economic and political sanctions against Russia on Friday, but I think I’m with Northern Virginia Congressman Don Beyer on this one.

uva football chandler morris
Sports

UVA Football: History would be different if these four guys don’t get hurt

Seeing Chris Canty’s name in the news this week got me thinking what I think every time I see the name Chris Canty: the injury that he suffered that derailed the 2004 UVA Football season.

donald trump economy
Trump's America

Report: Trump economy sheds 23,000 jobs in July, 100K+ in May and June

Local

Country music legend Patsy Cline grew up in many Shenandoah Valley towns

police car arrest lights
Local

Albemarle County: Teen charged in June 17 shots-fired incident

government money
Region/State

It’s sales-tax holiday weekend for back-to-school, emergency prep shoppers