AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Big Level fire has gone from 1,965 acres to 1,316 acres and 25% contained.

Officials say this week’s precipitation had a major dampening effect on the fire area and that this will render smaller fuel unavailable for ignition. Larger fuels, such as stumps, however, may continue to smolder despite the moisture. As such fire management personnel will inspect the perimeter to identify any lingering hot spots that may threaten the line. Further fire spread is unanticipated, but the perimeter must still be protected from the possibility of smoldering fuels fanning back to life in the coming days and flipping an ember over the line.

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.