Two weeks after the Big Ridge Fire broke out in Rabun County, the Forest Service is slowly winding down its firefighting operations. The wildfire, which ignited on March 22 in the Sarah’s Creek area northeast of Clayton, consumed 3,434 acres and remains nearly 90% contained. The Forest Service said that it did not expect any additional spread Saturday.
Wildland firefighters are using an infrared drone to locate hotspots in large logs and stump holes. A multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional team of 199 personnel is working to extinguish these hotspots. They’re also working to repair damage and minimize potential soil erosion in the fire area.
On Saturday, the Type 3 team assumed command of the Big Ridge Fire from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team.
“I want to thank our local communities of Sky Valley and Clayton for your support and putting your trust in us during the Big Ridge Fire,” says Towdy Tipton, District Ranger for the Chattooga River Ranger District. “I want to thank the Gold Team for your professionalism and willingness to help us with these suppression efforts. And finally, the firefighters who came from many places to literally put their lives on the line for our community’s safety, thank you for your bravery and for being who you are.”
The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations team is working to find out what caused the fire. They’re asking anyone with information to please come forward.
If you were in the area of Sarah’s Creek or the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area on March 22 and saw anything suspicious, let them know. To report suspicious activity, call the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline at 1-800-428-7337.
