Single Publication

April 1, 2025 

Acres: 2,958 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                   Personnel: 281 

Containment: 20%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 6 crews | 14 engines | 4 dozers | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: The Big Ridge Fire received 0.75 inches of rain from the storm system that passed through the area Sunday and Monday and containment increased to 20%.  Structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission will continue visiting communities around the Big Ridge Fire along Warwoman Creek. 

Fire Activity: Minimal fire spread is expected today. In specific locations where fuels are exposed to wind and sun, there will be a chance of open flame and creep.  On the north side of the fire closest to Sky Valley the fire has been contained from Rabun Bald to Wilson Gap.  Today firefighters will take advantage of improved conditions to continue construction and improvement of direct and indirect fire control lines in all directions. All areas where direct lines have been completed will be the focus of mop up.  This activity consists of putting out all remaining pockets of heat, such as stump holes, logs, and deep layers of duff.

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 will be warm and drier with humidity dropping into the 20s.  The forecast calls for 70 degrees and winds southeast 2-4 mph. Wednesday will be cooler with much higher humidities and a 20% chance of rain.

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