Augusta County Firefighters Near 70% Containment of Saint Mary's Wilderness Wildfire

Firefighters in Augusta County are making significant progress in their battle against the Saint Mary's Wilderness wildfire, which has now reached a containment level of nearly 70%. The U.S. Forest Service reported on Saturday that the blaze, which was identified as human-caused, has been active for over a week and a half, burning through approximately 2,000 acres at its peak. As of Saturday, the fire, also known as the Big Levels fire, has been reduced to 1,284 acres. The Forest Service provided an optimistic update, indicating that "additional fire spread is not anticipated." This positive news comes as fire activity has diminished significantly, with larger fuel sources smoldering down over recent days. Fire management teams are now focusing on inspecting the perimeter of the fire to find and mitigate any remaining hot spots that could pose a threat to the established containment lines. On Friday, fire activity was minimal, allowing crews to shift their attention to mop-up operations along the fire's edges, particularly south of Coal Road. Efforts to brush up the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail are set to continue, as fire personnel work diligently to ensure that no residual embers could reignite the blaze. An InfraRed-equipped drone has been deployed to survey the area for any hidden hot spots, although no new threats were detected during its last flight. Despite the progress, several trails in the area remain closed to the public, as safety remains a top priority while crews continue their work. The local community is encouraged to stay informed about the fire's status and adhere to any restrictions to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors during this critical time. As the situation develops, the U.S. Forest Service reassures the public that they are closely monitoring the wildfire and will provide updates as necessary. The concerted efforts of fire crews and the use of advanced technology are crucial in controlling this wildfire, demonstrating a commitment to protecting both the wilderness and the surrounding communities from the dangers of wildfires.