[at-l] Appalachian Trail closed

[wb4pan@mindspring.com (Chase Davidson)]

Hi Gang,
	I just received this from the NBATC.
chase
<snip>	
	Due to continued expansion of the forest fire in the James River Face Wilderness, the US Forest Service has closed the Appalachian Trail between Petites Gap and the James River Foot Bridge.  Signs have been posted and the Forest Service will do a sweep of the trail in that area to make sure that all hikers have been evacuated.  The Forest Service will be providing a van and driver to shuttle hikers around the closed area, especially since northbound AT thru-hikers are often at their peak
> numbers at this time of year in this area.
> 
> The USFS has been using airborne water drops for the last three days to try to contain the fire.  They will also be requesting special permission to use chainsaws in the wilderness area for fire fighting purposes.
<snip>