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Thank you for your interest in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests news updates. We have new information to share:
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Fire Update: Nov. 16, 2016 1 p.m.
Due to extreme fire danger and the current drought situation, a total fire ban is in place on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. This means building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire (including charcoal based fire whether contained in a grill or not) is prohibited. Commercially available fuel stoves (camp stoves) are allowed.
Air Quality: Smoke from fires in the Southeast may impair air quality. Conditions may change quickly, based on weather, wind direction and fire activity. Sensitive groups including individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. If you feel you are having health effects from smoke, see your doctor or health professional as needed. Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas.
Donations: Many people are calling our district offices, asking about making donations. We are so thankful for their support! Right now, our needs have been met. However, many local, regional and national firefighting organizations, as well as groups that are providing shelter or supplies to displaced residents would appreciate their support.
Chattooga River Ranger District
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Acres
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6,747
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Containment
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10%
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Location
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Tallulah River Road, Straw Mountain Area.
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Date Discovered
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Nov. 9, 2016
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Cause
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Human-caused; under investigation.
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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Rabun County-Call 911 for further information
- Pre-evacuation for Plum Orchard, Coleman River/Nichols Branch Road areas.
- Pre-evacuation for Tate City and Hightower.
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Closures
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Summary
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Continue structure protection and perimeter control. Continue scouting and identifying opportunities to be successful with reaching containment objectives. Continue strategic planning and developing contingencies.
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Community Meeting(s)
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None
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Timber Ridge Fire, Rabun County, GA (update)
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Acres
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888
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Containment
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20%
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Location
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Southeast of Clayton, Ga.
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Date Discovered
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Nov. 12, 2016
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Cause
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Unknown
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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None
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Summary
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The fire is creeping in some places and smoldering in others. Crews will continue structure protection and look for further holding opportunities. No structures are threatened.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Acres
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~185 acres combined
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Containment
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100% on Nov. 12, 2016
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Location
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Hwy. 28 near Burrells Ford.
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Date Discovered
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Cause
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Human; under investigation.
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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None
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Summary
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Crews continue to monitor fire for reburn potential.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Conasauga Ranger District
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Acres
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23,759
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Containment
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30%
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Location
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Cohutta Wilderness
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Date Discovered
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Oct. 16, 2016
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Cause
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Lightning
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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Please respect all closures and monitor changes in the coming days. Closures are in place for public and firefighter safety. Additional Law Enforcement personnel are assisting with road closures fire restrictions by increasing patrols and working extended shifts. The following closures remain in place:
- Cohutta Wilderness, National Forest lands north and west of FS Road 64, and National Forest lands east of FS Road 16, and the Conasauga River.
- FS Road 68 from Watson Gap to Potatopatch (entire length).
- FS Road 68 from Holly Creek Gap to Lake Conasauga.
- FS Road 49 from Lake Conasauga to Grassy Mountain Tower.
- FS Road 17 from the intersection with FS road 68 north to Alaculsy Valley.
- FS Road 16 between the Conasauga River and Jacks River.
- FS Road 51 from the intersection of Cottonwood Patch to the wilderness boundary.
- FS Road 630 west of Hickey Gap at Lackey Knob and Hal Brannon Road.
- Jack’s River Fields, Cottonwood Patch, Lake Conasauga (and the day-use area) and Overflow Campgrounds.
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Summary
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Monitoring and mop up will continue as crews ensure that the lines around the fire perimeter are contained. All containment lines will continue to be patrolled to remove falling leaves.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Strawberry Mountain Fire, Walker County, GA (no change)
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Acres
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477 (225 US Forest Service; 252 private land)
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Containment
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100%
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Location
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Strawberry Mountain near Manning Mill Creek
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Date Discovered
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Oct. 5, 2016
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Cause
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Unknown
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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Pinhoti Trail between West Armuchee Road and East Armuchee Road
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Summary
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Crews continue to monitor the fire for potential re-burn activity.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Raven Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
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Acres
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20+
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Containment
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100%
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Location
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Raven Cliffs Wilderness
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Cause
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Unknown
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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Raven Cliffs Fall and Whitley Gap Trails
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Summary
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Crews continue to monitor fire and keep firelines clear of fresh leaf drop and cold trail duff.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Blue Ridge Ranger District
Campbell Mountain Fire, Union County, GA (new today)
| Acres |
8 |
| Containment |
95% |
| Location |
Northeast of Suches, Ga. |
| Cause |
Human |
| Fire Information |
Phone: 470-202-8844 |
| Evacuations |
None |
| Closures |
None |
| Summary |
Crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire. |
| Community Meetings |
None |
Campbell Mountain Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
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Acres
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22
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Containment
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100%
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Location
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Campbell Mountain
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Cause
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Under investigation
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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None
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Summary
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Crews continue to monitor fire and keep firelines clear of fresh leaf drop and cold trail duff.
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Community Meetings
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None
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Chimney Top Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
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Acres
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3
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Containment
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100%
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Location
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Approximately 1.5 miles west of Brasstown Bald Visitor Center in the Brasstown Wilderness
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Cause
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Unknown
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Fire Information
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Evacuations
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None
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Closures
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Arkaquah Trail (FS Trail #29)
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Summary
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Crews continue to patrol, mop-up and monitor the fire.
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Community Meetings
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None
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The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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