Burn bans continue across parts of North Georgia and the western Carolinas as the prolonged drought extends another week.
Rabun County commissioners, along with the Rabun County Emergency Management Agency and Fire Service, have issued an emergency outdoor burn ban. The ban applies to all outdoor open flames and burning of any type and includes but is not limited to:
- campfires/warming fires
- cooking fires or charcoal grills
- fire pits, fire rings
- chimineas
- debris removal
- barrel burning
- leaf clearing
- land clearing both commercial and residential
- fireworks
Rabun County’s burn ban remains in effect through at least Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.
“After this initial ban, it will be reevaluated based on current conditions and weather precipitation predictions at that time. Depending on weather conditions, this temporary ban could be extended,” the commissioner’s order states.
Similar bans are in effect in other North Georgia counties, including Catoosa, Dade, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield.
Thirty counties in neighboring North Carolina also remain under a burn ban in the wake of fires that have torched thousands of acres.
Memories of Rock Mountain
Georgia has been in a prolonged drought, and recent rainfall has only slightly moderated fire conditions, the U.S. Forest Service says. While the moisture over the weekend lessened the chance of wildfire in some areas, vegetation is still prone to ignite with the smallest spark.
It was this time of year in 2016 when the Rock Mountain Fire consumed some 25,000 acres in Rabun and Towns counties. Decreased record rainfall amounts over the last 30-45 days have increased the potential for a similar event if a fire were to get out of hand.
Other conditions, such as decreased humidity and increased winds, mean that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control.
“Wildland firefighting resources are being tasked with other large uncontrolled fires in the Southeast Region and will have delayed responses responding if needed,” Rabun County commissioners warn.
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