Single Publication

April 2, 2025 

Acres: 3,366 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                   Personnel: 246 

Containment: 88%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 5 crews | 11 engines | 4 dozers | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: Today there is a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms on the Big Ridge Fire.  Crews continued to make good progress on direct line construction Wednesday and the only uncontained portion of the fire is in the south between Hoods Creek and Walnut Fork.  Structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission will continue visiting communities around the Big Ridge Fire. 

Fire Activity: No fire spread is expected today.  The only remaining heat on the fire consists of large logs and stump holes.  Crews will be focused on finding and extinguishing these remaining sources of heat on the fire.  Another activity occurring today is fireline repair, which consists of restoring any damage caused by suppression actions. 

The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is seeking information regarding the circumstances around the cause of the Big Ridge Fire. If anyone was in the area on March 22, 2025, and observed suspicious activity please call the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline 1-800-428-7337.

Weather:  Today is the start of a warming trend, but humidity will remain high.  The forecast calls for 75 degrees, 54% minimum humidity, and winds southeast 13 mph. There will be occasional gusts to 24.  Tomorrow will be very warm with the next good chance of rain coming Sunday.

Evacuations: None.  

Closures: A closure order is in place for the vicinity of the Big Ridge Fire. For details visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/gachf-big-ridge-fire

More Information: 

Air Quality: https://www.airnow.gov/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChattOconeeNF              

Email: 2025.BigRidge@firenet.gov 

Fire Information: 770-230-1020    

Big Ridge Fire Recorded Information Line: 706-982-4729