School Closures for Friday, Nov. 17:
Amherst County
Bedford County
Buena Vista City
Lexington City
Rockbridge County
A Code Red air quality alert has been issued for Amherst, Nelson, Bedford and Rockbridge counties by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
In an update Thursday morning, forestry officials said the Matts Creek fire in northern Bedford County had expanded in size to 2,750 acres, up from 1,400 acres Wednesday and up from the original 15-acre blaze crews were battling after it was first reported Sunday.
Fire crews report that the blaze is now at 2% containment.
On Thursday, officials said they have approximately 120 firefighters and support staff, including seven fire crews and three helicopters working to put out the blaze.
The fire has not posed a threat so far to any residents, structures or private land.
The Blue Ridge Parkway announced a full closure from milepost 66.3, near US Highway 501, to milepost 85.9, at VA Route 43 until further notice. Park visitors should plan for a detour from the north or south using these adjacent routes and Interstate 81.
Keep up-to-date on this developing story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.