NORTH CAROLINA, USA — The National Park Service shut down part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, to help with firefighting efforts.
Nearly 20 miles of the popular highway are now closed in Virginia, starting from milepost 66.3, near US Highway 501 to milepost 85.9 at VA Route 43.
Leaders said the fire had caused bad smoke in the area.
The closure gives firefighters more room to work.
Officials said the fire is within the James River Face Wilderness and is entirely on National Forest lands within the Jefferson National Forest.
Park visitors should plan for a detour from the north or south using these adjacent routes and Interstate 81.
Behind closed gates, the Parkway is closed to everyone, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
