Increased Fire Danger for Rabun County

Rabun County residents are being warned about an increased fire danger, explains Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch.  “The National Weather Service has issued an increased fire danger statement for Rabun County on March 30, 2022, from 4pm until late tonight due to increased winds and critically dry surface fuels prior to the rain showers arriving.  Rabun County Fire Services discourages any outdoor burning during this time frame. If you do so, please follow the outdoor burning guidelines from the Georgia Forestry Commission below:  SSTAR

Space-Keep fires at least 25 feet from woodlands and forest

Space-Keep fires at least 50 feet from any structure

Time-No burning before sunrise or after sunset

Attendance-Someone must be on-site until the fire is extinguished

Reasonable precautions-Keep tools and measures in place to prevent escaped fire. Keep a continuous pressurized water source on site. Create a man-made or natural barrier to contain fire. Keep weather aware. No burning on NWS Red Flag Warning days. Use extreme caution when burning on High/Extreme days, low relative humidity, or high wind days.  You may only burn hand-piled natural debris and the above five responsibilities must be taken for you to legally burn. YOU are responsible for your fire and its smoke.  Please check gatrees.org for information on current weather conditions and outdoor burning guidelines.