A Sunday update on the Big Levels fire in Augusta County from the USDA Forest Service tells us that the fire has grown to approximately 600 acres in size.
New today: a seven-acre fire was detected on National Forest System lands in the Irish Creek area in Rockbridge County on Saturday. Fire personnel constructed containment lines around the fire to secure it and will continue mop-op operations today on the Irish Creek fire.
Complicating the operations is that the National Weather Service has issued a fire danger statement for today due to dry conditions and predicted gusty winds. Active fire behavior is expected all day and fire spread will continue on National Forest System lands, particularly in areas where winds align with terrain.
Approximately 30 personnel, two engines and a helicopter are assigned to the Big Levels fire, and additional resources are arriving today, the Forest Service reported.
The Forest Service is asking the public to avoid the fire areas for your safety and to give fire personnel room to address the situation.
Residents will continue to see smoke for the next several days as firefighters work to contain the 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:
- 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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Chris Graham
