As the Unicoi Wildfire burns in northern White County, public safety officials are doing what they can to minimize the risk of other wildfires igniting. Days of low humidity and strong winds, combined with dry grass and woods, have created a combustible threat, as evidenced by what’s happening near Unicoi.
The wildfire north of Helen has been burning since Saturday and firefighters expect it will continue to burn for several more days. Firefighters from the U.S. and state forestry service and local firefighters are working to contain the fire from the ground and air. They’ve cleared firebreaks around the fire and are using helicopters with water drawn from Unicoi Lake to try and douse the flames.
The first chance for rain is on Thursday. Until then, dry weather conditions are expected to continue, increasing the risk of outdoor burns getting out of control.
“Those who choose to burn can be held liable for fires that cause damage to other’s property,” says White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. “There are strict outdoor burning rules that must be followed.”
5-Day Forecast: Beautiful Valentine’s and a storm Thursday
White County banned all outdoor burning on Sunday, February 13, and officials are urging residents to avoid burning outdoors for the next several days.
More than 90 counties in North and Central Georgia are at increased risk of wildfires due to the dry, windy weather conditions. If you live in any of these counties, contact your local burn permitting authorities to find out if outdoor burning is allowed.
If you do burn outside, use extreme caution.
