Single Publication

April 5, 2025 

Acres: 3,434 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                  Personnel: 199 

Containment: 88%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 4 crews | 6 engines | 3 dozers | 1 helicopter |1 Chipper| 1 Excavator

Highlights: Today a Type 3 team assumed command of the Big Ridge Fire from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team.  The primary activity occurring on the fire today is fireline suppression repair.  A drone with infrared was used yesterday to identify hot spots that need to be extinguished and will be used again today.  The only remaining heat on the fire consists of large logs and stump holes.  Crews will continue searching for and extinguishing these remaining sources of heat.  No fire spread is expected today. 

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:  The forecast today calls for 82 degrees, 40% minimum humidity, and winds south-southwest 9-13 mph. There will be occasional gusts to 27. A frontal system is forecast to impact the region Sunday into Sunday night, with widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms expected over the incident area. Chance of wetting rain is 90%. Following this frontal passage temperatures will be much cooler, and humidity will also be lower.

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: 770-530-3950    

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