Prescribed burn set for Thursday in Rabun County

RABUN COUNTY — On Thursday, April 5th, the US Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District will be conducting a prescribed fire in Rabun County.

The burn unit will be in the area south of Rabun Bald, along the ridge between Sarah’s Creek and Walnut Fork according to Acting District FMO Nicholas Peters.

The burn is expected to begin late morning and last till mid-afternoon. The purpose of this area being burned is to help reduce hazardous wildland fuels buildup, to help promote forest health and to create and improve wildlife habitat.

This burn will require closing The Rabun Bald Trail and the Bartram Trail from Hail Ridge Road to Salt Rock Gap, from April 5th-9th for public safety.

Based on the current weather forecast, the smoke is projected to head to the North and North East of the burn unit and may be visible from the Hwy 441 corridor north of Clayton, Sky Valley and Scaly Mountain, North Carolina. However, if the weather conditions on-site change or becomes unfavorable, the controlled burn is subject to being canceled.

All motorists are urged to use caution in areas where smoke may be visible.

The prescribed burn is being done in cooperation with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) who provides rural fire department assistance and assists landowners and communities with forest management.