Single Publication

March 29, 2025 

Acres: 1,936 acres                                                                                           Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                    Personnel: 166 

Containment: 0%                                                                                          Fuels: Timber 

Resources:      8 crews | 6 engines | 2 dozer | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: Reduced fire activity is expected today on the Big Ridge Fire because of higher humidity and reduced winds. On Friday, the fire crossed the Bartram Trail near Flat Top, but airtankers kept it from making progress. On the south side, the fire is being held along Hoods Creek. There will be a virtual public meeting today from 12-1 p.m. at https://meet.google.com/qcj-ukgz-mcf or by phone at 440-482-1399, PIN 359 161 763#.

Fire Activity: Today firefighters will be constructing direct line on the part of the fire that crossed the Bartram Trail near Flat Top. On the north side of the fire, crews will be completing handline from Beegum Gap to Hale Ridge Road. Once this line is completed, they will be looking for opportunities to construct direct line on the fire’s edge on the east side. On the southwest side of the fire, crews will be constructing direct line from Walnut Creek to Flat Top following Hoods Creek. Firefighters are also scouting and constructing secondary control lines in case these primary control lines are compromised.

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’s forecast calls for 70 degrees and minimum relative humidity of 40%. Winds will be southeast with sustained speeds of 10 mph and gusts of 15-20 mph. On Sunday there is an 80% chance of showers which continues into Monday. Smoke levels will increase from evening through the morning in the valleys.

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: 

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

Email: 2025.BigRidge@firenet.gov 

Fire Information: 770-530-3950                          

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/gachf-big-ridge-fire