Fire crews have actively sought to contain a wildfire ripping across 200 acres of the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area near Clayton in Rabun County, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Firefighters initially observed active fire along the northern perimeter on the west side of Big Ridge on Sunday, March 23, before two helicopters were deployed to slow the spread north. Both ground and aviation units are now continuing efforts to establish containment lines.
According to officials, the blaze so far is contained at 0%.
“Today, there was minimal movement in the fire,” U.S. Forestry Service spokesperson James Wettstaed said in an email to Now Habersham on Monday, March 24.
Containment efforts
Officials say control lines have been successfully established on the southern end of the fire, though steep, rocky terrain and a high concentration of standing dead trees have created hazardous conditions and forced crews to use indirect tactics in several areas.
Drought conditions also have contributed to fire resistance as crews have prepared indirect control lines throughout the day for strategic firing operations to slow the blaze.
In addition to the Big Ridge fire, incident management teams have overseen four other wildfires – all of which have been contained and are currently under patrol and mop-up operations. Smoke from the Big Ridge blaze is expected to be visible and may settle in Warwoman Valley overnight.
Weather and fire behavior
Light rainfall overnight has provided minimal relief, with only 0.13 inches recorded as dry conditions are expected to persist alongside relative humidity dropping to 25%. No significant rainfall is expected until Sunday.
Closures and public impact
While no evacuations have been ordered, multiple areas remain closed due to fire activity, including Sarah’s Creek Campground, Sarah’s Creek Road (Forest Service Road 156) and Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 86).
Authorities urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, as changing weather conditions could impact fire behavior. Updates will continue as containment efforts progress.
Now Habersham will continue to follow efforts to contain the wildfire as it develops.
Clarification: The wildfire is burning in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area near Clayton
