North Georgia Fires Update

(WDEF) – Yesterday and this morning, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has extinguished 31 fires in North Georgia.

The GFC, who have a total of 170 resources on the fires in the area, are also working on 5 active fires. One on Treat Mountain near Cedartown, three on Lookout Mountain in Dade / Walker County (Tatum Gulf, Cloverdale and Creek Road), and one in Rocky Face.

The fire on Treat Mountain, Cedartown is currently at 583 acres with 98% containment. There is one home threatened and structural damage is not expected. The fire is currently in a mop-up phase and not anticipated to increase in acreage.

The Tatum Gulf fire on Lookout Mountain is at 175 acres with 5% containment. There are some road closures in the immediate area and the GFC are asking the public to refrain from driving through to spectate. There are a total of 150 residences that could be potentially threatened, although no damage is anticipated. Firefighters are working each home and staying in communication with the homeowners.

The fire in Cloverdale on Lookout Mountain is currently at 500 acres with 40% containment. Road closures have occurred and staying at a safe distance is recommended. There are 13 homes in the area that could be in danger, but structural damage is not expected and the residents are being informed of the situation.

The Creek Road Fire on Lookout Mountain is at 100 acres with 25% containment. The fire is expected to reach 150 acres. One house is in the area and no damage is anticipated. The GFC are working on cleaning up fire breaks and increasing containment.

The fire in Rocky Face is currently at 450 acres with 65% containment. There are two homes in the immediate area with no structural damage expected. The fire is estimated to reach 750 acres by the end. The GFC are in the process of burning out any excess fuels in the fire interior and cleaning up containment lines.

The fire which broke out on the Trail of Tears is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Floyd County, where this fire originated, has a county wide burn ban in place.

The Rough Ridge fire being managed by the Forest Service continues to grow in size. This fire can now be seen from many areas of North Georgia and closely monitored by state, federal, and local agencies. The GFC is working with the Forest Service to track the fire’s progress and identify risks. There is no imminent threat to any specific area. This fire is now over 10,000 acres and more detailed information can be obtained from U.S. Forest Service, who are also working a fire in Rabun County.

The Georgia Forestry Commission Fire Prevention Team has arrived in North Georgia and is working to determine needs and provide assistance.

More information can be obtained from the Fire Prevention Team by contacting Beryl Budd at 404-357-0827.