Wildland firefighters could soon wrap up their Big Ridge Fire operations in Rabun County. As of early Friday, April 4, the fire remained at nearly 90% contained, with no additional spread expected Friday, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). More rain is forecast for the region over the weekend.
The Big Ridge Fire has burned 3,434 acres in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area northeast of Clayton. The fire, which started on March 22, is expected to be suppressed by the Forest Type 3 Team, which will take over management from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team on April 5.
According to forestry officials, 224 personnel and a variety of resources from around the country have assisted in containing the fire. Firefighters will continue to mop up remaining heat sources, like large logs and stump holes, and repair fire lines that were damaged during suppression operations.
The USFS says that Georgia Forestry Commission has completed its work protecting structures around the fire.
Burn ban lifted
While no evacuations are in effect, a closure order remains in place around the Big Ridge Fire area. This includes popular camping areas and hiking trails within the Chattahoochee National Forest northeast of Clayton and south of Sky Valley.
State forestry officials have lifted a week-long burn ban for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Campfires are again allowed in the forest. Officials urge anyone engaged in outdoor burning to use extreme caution.
Investigation continues
The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is investigating what caused the fire. The agency is asking anyone who may have been in the area on March 22 and saw suspicious activity to contact the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline at 1-800-428-7337.
