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Published: August 9, 2011
Updated: August 9, 2011
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Wildfires at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge disrupted services during early August. Closures affected Railroad Ditch Road and trail, and the bus tour to Lake Drummond.

The Refuge was notified of the wildfires around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday August 4, 2011. There are two wildfires, located southwest of Lake Drummond off Interior Ditch Road.

As of August 5th, the larger fire (Lateral West) was estimated at 15 acres and the smaller fire (Lateral West 2) was a single tree fire. The fires were started by recent lightning.

The Refuge has two bulldozers and a helicopter working the fires in an effort to stop the fire's movement and spread rate. Additional resources, including both people and equipment, were expected to arrive over the next few days.

For up-to-date information on the Lateral West Fires, please visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/

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