Mountain fire near Covington grows

Updated: 4:29 p.m

The Forest Service says the fire has grown to 96 acres as of 1:30 p.m.

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Original story 1:13 p.m.

A fire burning on a mountain near Covington in Alleghany County grows.

The U.S. Forest Service says the fire is 60 acres, as of 9:00 a.m. this morning (Wednesday, August 20th), and is not contained.

About 35 firefighters, a helicopter, and support personnel are working the fire.  The Forest Service says steep, rocky terrain in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are hampering firefighters’ efforts.

The Forest Service says a lightning strike sparked the fire, and significant areas of trees killed by gypsy moths in recent years are fueling the flames.

The Forest Service is asking for people to avoid driving on Dolly Ann Road on National Forest land for safety reasons.

The Forest Service says some smoke may settle in Covington.