The Unicoi Wildfire that has been burning now for four days is “100% contained,” U.S. Forest Service officials say. “There was no change in the fire size yesterday and we have control lines all the way around it,” says USFS spokesperson James Wettstaed. “We expect to start downsizing tomorrow.”
From burning leaves to burnout
The good news comes on the heels of a tough weekend of firefighting that saw the wildfire – which started with a homeowner burning leaves – spread from 5 to 60 to ultimately 184 acres on Tray Mountain near Unicoi State Park north of Helen.
USFS and Georgia Forestry Commission personnel conducted a burnout operation on Sunday, burning back the dry leaves and brush between the containment lines and flames. That, says Wettstaed, had a significant impact on Monday’s firefighting efforts.
“The burnout was a big part of securing the line,” he tells Now Habersham. “The weather was challenging yesterday, so, the combination of the burnout and hard work by the crews holding the line was the difference.”
Crews will focus their efforts today on mopping up and patrolling to find any remaining heat sources that could threaten the lines. Additional efforts include installing water bars and spreading native seed on fire lines to reduce potential erosion.
Tuesday’s weather forecasts call for higher humidity and lower winds which will mean less severe burning conditions.
The Unicoi Wildfire has consumed 184 acres and has temporarily shut down Smith Creek Trail. There are no road closures or evacuation warnings in place. At one point on Monday, flames threatened around 15 homes, but Wettstaed says no homes have been damaged and no one has been injured as a result of the fire.
Two popular tourist destinations in northern White County, Anna Ruby Falls, and Unicoi State Park, were on alert to close if needed, but that has not been necessary: Both remain open to visitors.
White County burn ban remains in effect
The dry, windy weather fueled the fire’s spread which forestry and public safety officials first thought they had contained as of late Saturday. By Sunday, the forest service upgraded its response to a Type 3 incident (with ‘1’ being the most severe) and called in additional personnel. They set up a command post at Unicoi State Park Lodge and are overseeing ground and aerial operations from there.
Fifty forestry workers remain on the scene but those numbers are expected to drop starting Wednesday as the USFS shifts from a Type 3 to Type 4 incident response.
A burn ban remains in effect for White County until further notice.
“Those who choose to burn can be held liable for fires that cause damage to other’s property,” the county’s public safety department warns.
Heavy rain is expected to move into the region on Thursday, helping firefighters douse any existing flames or smoldering remains.
