Nearly 50,000 gallons of water was used to protect private property along Coal Road in Augusta County Sunday as the Big Levels fire tripled in size.
To date, the fire has affected 1,900 total acres and is only 10 percent contained. On Sunday, it was reported that 600 acres had been impacted.
Rain is expected to help stop the spread of the fire. Up to two inches of precipitation is expected through Wednesday. Winds will also be moderate.
Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Department of Forestry and the Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company worked to scout control features to the north, south and east of the fire footprint on Sunday. High winds drove fire growth with much of the activity on the western side. In total, 68 people have worked to contain the fire.
Crews are working today to improve containment features along the Coal Road and the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail. Engines are actively patrolling, and aviation support is on call as weather allows.
Additional resources will arrive today including one Type 3 helicopter and two Type 2 initial attack hands crews.
Closures have been implemented in the fire area.
With aviation operating in the area, the use of personal drones presents a hazard to air crews. Residents are asked to suspend drone activity.
There are no evacuation orders at this time.
The incident is being managed by a local U.S. Forest Service Type 3 team.
Big Level fire closures
The following areas are temporarily closed to all public use due to the Big Levels Fire to allow for public and firefighter safety (CFR 261.53, 261.54 & 261.55):
- 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.
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Crystal Graham
