Wildfire fighting operations are winding down in northern White County where a fire, burning since February 12, consumed 184 acres near Helen. The U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission have 17 wildland firefighters still on the scene, down from 50 during the first part of this week.
The Unicoi Wildfire remains 100% contained and with rain moving into the region, U.S. Forest Service officials are preparing to close out their operations.
Crews spent the day Tuesday mopping up and patrolling the area northeast of Unicoi State Park to find any remaining heat sources that could threaten fire containment lines. They also installed water bars and seeded fire lines to reduce potential erosion.
“Today crews will complete fire line repair and continue patrolling,” says USFS spokesperson James Wettstaed. “The fire will continue to have light staffing levels until secure.”
The Unicoi Wildfire was sparked by someone burning leaves at a residence off Highway 356. They did not comply with burn rules and regulations, according to the White County Public Safety Department. Illegal burning can lead to civil and criminal penalties in Georgia. Now Habersham has reached out to authorities to determine what, if any, penalties the person who started the fire might face but has not received a response.
The fire began near Mountain Madness Drive and spread west to Unicoi Campground Road near Unicoi Lake. Despite its proximity to some of the most heavily trafficked tourist destinations in Northeast Georgia, firefighters were able to contain the blaze and only had to shut down one hiking trail. Smith Creek Trail will remain closed until it’s safe for hikers, Wettstaed says.
He credits the successful fire emergency response to coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
“The coordination between the Forest Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, and White County worked great and made it so much easier to deal with the fire.”
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy echoes those sentiments.
“We are proud of the cooperation of local, state, and federal partners providing for the safety of our community and preserving our natural resources,” Murphy says. “The result is the product of countless hours of building relationships and planning. Thanks to our community for all their support and prayer during this event.”
