A wildfire that burned across about 4,500 acres of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has been contained, but forest service officials say conditions remain potentially hazardous.

The blaze, which began March 25 near Vesuvius, in Augusta County, was contained March 30, according to forest service spokesman Chris Rose. Rose said about 160 personnel from seven crews fought the fire, an effort Rose estimated cost about $337,000. He said no structures were damaged and no injuries reported, but the cause of the fire remains unknown and under investigation.

In a news release, Glenwood-Pedlar District Ranger Annie Downing also cautioned that "the fire has weakened the timber in the St. Mary's wilderness area and could present a hazard to visitors." She suggested that people look for other places to hike and fish.

Downing said earth and rocks may also be unstable along Virginia 56, from its intersection with Virginia 608 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. She said that although crews have cleared roads in that area, drivers should remain cautious of road debris while traveling.

-- Neil Harvey