Updated 11.17.23: Large Brushfire On Afton Mountain Causes Traffic Nightmare : Fire Contained – Normal Traffic Flowing

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Photo By Elizabeth Smith : Aerial fire crews drop water on a brush fire burning on Afton Mountain Thursday afternoon just before 4PM. November 16, 2023

Afton Mountain – I-64
Near the Nelson/Augusta/Albemarle County Line
Virginia

Updated 11.17.23

Though the fire on Afton Mtn is still burning it is completely contained and is under constant monitoring by fire crews. This is normal procedure by forestry teams.

Traffic was back to normal in the area by late Thursday night.

Real live traffic updates here from VA511.

“Description:
On I-64 at mile marker 100 in the County of Albemarle, motorists can expect delays due to a wildfire. The west right shoulder is closed. Traffic backups are approximately 6.0 miles.
Last updated:
Thu 11/16/2023 6:07 PM EST

Description:
On US-250 West in the County of Albemarle, in the vicinity of Critzers Shop Rd; VA-151N/S, motorists can expect delays due to congestion. Traffic backups are approximately 2.0 miles.
Last updated:
Thu 11/16/2023 5:59 PM EST”

Updated 4:30 PM – More video of chopper dumping water on Afton Mtn fire (video immediately below)


Updated 3:55 PM Choppers dump water from air on Afton Mtn Fire (video immediately below)

Updated 3:12 PM – Aerial helicopter water carrier on the way see video below.

Updated 2:53 PM – Aerial fire crews are about to begin attacking the fire from the air.
-Backups of traffic westbound 64 are now reported to be several additional miles

Original post 2:38 PM below
Around 2:15 PM Thursday about 20 acres was on fire at the top of Afton Mountain in the vicinity of miler marker 100.

Image via VDOT : Traffic is crawling along I-64 as a large brush fire is burning on Afton Mountain. Thursday – November 16, 2023

The fire started after a vehicle pulling a camper fire just before 1PM.

Fire crews from all over the area are being dispatched to help control the fire.

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