Incidents All News

April 1, 2025 

Sky ValleyGOOD to MODERATE air expected, but periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS are possible in the evening and overnight.SMOKEPotentially increased fire activity may result in higher smoke production, with any lingering smoke remaining trapped in the valleys overnight, especially near Sky Valley and Pickens. Much of the forecast area will have air quality that is GOOD to MODERATE, though Pickens may have periods of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Catawba Nation will likely have GOOD air quality.

March 31, 2025 

Sky ValleyGOOD to MODERATE air expected due to wind shifts and rain. Visibility impacts possible due to the area's high elevation.SMOKEDecreased fire activity will likely reduce smoke production, but winds may bring smoke to the area from fires that receive less rainfall. Much of the forecast area will have air quality that is MODERATE to GOOD. Catawba Nation will likely have GOOD air quality. More smoke may arrive Tuesday from a potential increase in fire activity.

March 30, 2025 

SMOKEDecreased fire activity and winds from the south will likely combine to reduce smoke in the forecast area. Clemson, Greenville, and Spartanburg will likely have MODERATE to GOOD air. Taylors, Pickens, and Sky Valley will have air that is MODERATE, with potential periods of UNHEALTHY FORSENSITIVE GROUPS. Catawba Nation will likely have GOOD air quality.

March 29, 2025 

Highlights: Today at 6 a.m. the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team assumed management of the Big Ridge Fire under the leadership of Incident Commander Paul Varnedoe. The Gold Team expresses its appreciation to the Forest Type 3 Team, Rabun Couty Sheriff’s Office, cooperators, collaborators and the community for their support to the firefighters. Firelines on the north side of the fire continued to hold Thursday and there was growth to the south and east. A virtual public meeting will be held in Sky Valley Saturday with details to follow.

March 27, 2025 

March 26, 2025