Fires in Rabun County Update November 18th
Thank you for your interest in receiving fire updates for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. We have new information to share:

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Fire Update: Nov. 18, 2016 1 p.m.

Around a dozen wildfires have burned an estimated 33,361 acres on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests since October 5, 2016. Due to extreme fire danger and current drought conditions, a total fire ban is in place on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. 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 wildland fires across the Southeast may impair air quality. Sensitive individuals should take precautions to avoid exposure. If you feel smoke is affecting your health, see a health professional. Also, please use caution when driving through smoky areas. For information on air quality in your area, visit www.airnow.gov.
Donations: We are so thankful for everyone’s donations. However, all our needs have been met. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to contact local, regional and national firefighting organizations or local groups who are providing shelter and supplies to displaced residents.
Chattooga River Ranger District
 
Rock Mountain Fire, Rabun and Towns Counties, GA (update)
Acres
 9,382
Containment
30%
Location
Tallulah River Road, Straw Mountain Area
Date Discovered
Nov. 9, 2016
Cause
Human; under investigation
Fire Information
Evacuations
Rabun County-Call 911 for further information
  • Pre-evacuation for Patterson Gap north of Ramah Darom Church Camp
  • Pre-evacuation of all roads at Bettys Creek, north of Tom Wilson Rd. to the state line, which includes Messer Creek Rd., Hambridge Ct., High Darnell Rd. and Bryes Place Ln.
  • Pre-evacuation for Plum Orchard, Coleman River/Nichols Branch Road areas
Towns County-Call 706-896-7460 for further information
  • Tate City residents are advised to shelter in place.
  • Pre-evacuation for Hightower
  • Charlies Creek Road and Tallulah River Road
  • Appalachian Trail between Dicks Creek Gap, GA and Rock Gap, NC
  • Southern Nantahala Wilderness in Georgia is closedeast of the Appalachian Trail.
Summary
Continue structure protection and perimeter control. Continue scouting and identifying opportunities to be successful with reaching containment objectives. Continue strategic planning and developing contingencies.
Community Meeting
None
 
Timber Ridge Fire, Rabun County, GA (update)
Acres
888
Containment
50%
Location
Southeast of Clayton, GA
Date Discovered
Nov. 12, 2016
Cause
Unknown
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
Closures
None
Summary
Fire activity is minimal. In some areas, the fire is creeping and smoldering. Crews are focusing on mop-up, monitoring and patrol.
Community Meeting
None
 
Burrell and Burrells 42 Fires, Rabun County, GA (no change)
Acres
~185 acres combined
Containment
100% on Nov. 12, 2016
Location
Hwy. 28 near Burrells Ford
Cause
Human; under investigation
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
Closures
None
Summary
Crews continue to monitor fire for re-burn potential.
Community Meeting
None
Raven Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
Acres 20+
Containment 100%
Location Raven Cliffs Wilderness
Cause Unknown
Fire Information Phone: 470-202-8844
Evacuations None
Closures Raven Cliffs Fall and Whitley Gap Trails
Summary Crews continue to monitor fire and keep firelines clear of fresh leaf drop and cold trail duff.
Community Meeting None
Rock Crusher Fire, Rabun County, GA (no change)
Acres 4
Containment 100%
Location Warwoman Road and Old Rock Crusher Road, Clayton, GA
Date Discovered Nov. 16, 2016
Cause Unknown
Fire Information Phone: 470-202-8844
Evacuations None
Closures None
Summary Crews continue to monitor.
Community Meeting None
Conasauga Ranger District
 
Rough Ridge Fire, Murray and Fannin Counties, GA (no change)
Acres
23,759
Containment
30%
Location
Cohutta Wilderness
Date Discovered
Oct. 16, 2016
Cause
Lightning
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
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 64 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 Old Highway 2.
  • 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.
Summary
Crews continue to monitor and mop-up to ensure that the lines around the fire perimeter are contained. Yesterday, the Incident Command Post moved to 815 N. 3rd St., Chatsworth, GA.
Community Meeting
None
 
Strawberry Mountain Fire, Walker County, GA (no change)
Acres
477 (225 US Forest Service; 252 private land)
Containment
100%
Location
Strawberry Mountain near Manning Mill Creek
Date Discovered
Oct. 5, 2016
Cause
Unknown
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
Pinhoti Trail between West Armuchee Road and East Armuchee Road
Summary
Crews continue to monitor the fire for potential re-burn activity.
Community Meeting
None
 
Blue Ridge Ranger District
 
Coopers Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
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 Meeting None
Campbell Mountain Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
Acres
22
Containment
100%
Location
Campbell Mountain
Cause
Under investigation
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
Closures
None
Summary
Crews continue to monitor fire and keep firelines clear of fresh leaf drop and cold trail duff.
Community Meeting
None
Chimney Top Fire, Union County, GA (no change)
Acres
3
Containment
100%
Location
Approximately 1.5 miles west of Brasstown Bald Visitor Center in the Brasstown Wilderness
Cause
Unknown
Fire Information
Evacuations
None
Arkaquah Trail (FS Trail #29)
Summary
Crews continue to patrol, mop-up and monitor the fire.
Community Meeting
None