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
Acres
|
9,382 |
Containment
|
30%
|
Location
|
Tallulah River Road, Straw Mountain Area
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Date Discovered
|
Nov. 9, 2016
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Cause
|
Human; 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 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
- Tate City residents are advised to shelter in place.
- Pre-evacuation for Hightower
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- 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.
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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
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None
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Acres
|
888
|
Containment
|
50%
|
Location
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Southeast of Clayton, GA
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Date Discovered
|
Nov. 12, 2016
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Cause
|
Unknown
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Fire Information
|
|
Evacuations
|
None
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Closures
|
None
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Summary
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Fire activity is minimal. In some areas, the fire is creeping and smoldering. Crews are focusing on mop-up, monitoring and patrol.
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Community Meeting
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None
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Acres
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~185 acres combined
|
Containment
|
100% on Nov. 12, 2016
|
Location
|
Hwy. 28 near Burrells Ford
|
Cause
|
Human; under investigation
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Fire Information
|
|
Evacuations
|
None
|
Closures
|
None
|
Summary
|
Crews continue to monitor fire for re-burn potential.
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Community Meeting
|
None
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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
Acres
|
23,759
|
Containment
|
30%
|
Location
|
Cohutta Wilderness
|
Date Discovered
|
Oct. 16, 2016
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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.
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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.
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Community Meeting
|
None
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|
|
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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
|
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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
|
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Arkaquah Trail (FS Trail #29)
|
Summary
|
Crews continue to patrol, mop-up and monitor the fire.
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Community Meeting
|
None
|
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