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Part of Cumberland Island closed by fire
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CUMBERLAND ISLAND - Firefighters are battling a 45-acre wilderness fire on Cumberland Island, forcing the National Park Service to close portions of the federally protected island to tourists.

Maggie Tyler, a Park Service spokeswoman, said Thursday that fire crews are digging fire breaks around the blaze by clearing pine needles and other fuels. She said the fire hasn't been contained, but firefighters are managing to hold it to less than 1/10th of a square mile.

Tyler says two of the island's wilderness campgrounds have been closed. But visitors are still being allowed onto the island and van tours along its main road continue to operate.

The blaze was first spotted early Wednesday and investigators are working to determine what caused it.

Cumberland Island covers about 40,000 acres, making it Georgia's largest barrier island.

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