Single Publication

March 27, 2025 

Acres: 812 acres                                                                                               Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                    Personnel: 205 

Containment: 0%                                                                                          Fuels: Timber 

Resources:      5 crews | 4 engines | 1 dozer | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: On Wednesday the strategic firing operations to secure Big Ridge Fire control lines from Rabun Bald to Saltrock Gap were successful and this line is in place and holding.  At the same time the fire crossed the initial control lines along Walnut Fork on the southwest side of the fire.  Wind speeds will be slightly lower today, but humidity will remain low so fire behavior will remain active.  The Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire on Friday.

Fire Activity: Today firefighters will focus on improving and holding the north line from Rabun Bald to Saltrock Gap to keep the fire from Sky Valley.  Crews will be scouting direct line locations from Saltrock Gap to Fat Top and then south to Walnut Fork.  They will also be looking to establish lines from Rabun Bald to Coldspring Gap. Indirect line construction will continue from Rabun Bald north to Beegum Gap and then on to Hale Ridge Road.  Substantial smoke will be visible from the Big Ridge Fire today and may settle into Warwoman Valley at night. 

The United States 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:  Winds are not expected to be quite as strong on today, but RH values will once again be dropping into the mid-teens. Today’s forecast calls for 68 degrees, minimum relative humidity of 19%, and winds will be westerly with sustained speeds of 10 mph and gusts of 21 mph. The rest of the week will be dry, but winds will be less strong.  Temperatures and wind will increase again Friday and early Saturday ahead of a change to higher humidity and possible rainfall after dark on Saturday into Sunday morning.

Evacuations: None.  

Closures: Sarah’s Creek Campground, Sarah’s Creek Road (Forest Service Road 156), Tuckaluge Road (Forest Service Road 153), Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 7).