Single Publication

March 30, 2025 

Acres: 2,709 acres                                                                                           Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                    Personnel: 249 

Containment: 0%                                                                                          Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 14 crews | 9 engines | 3 dozers | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: Rain showers are expected today along with the possibility of thunderstorms. More rain is expected Monday. On Saturday firefighters made good progress on the Big Ridge Fire. On the southwest side the fire continued to advance, but firefighters successfully conducted a strategic firing operation along the 155E Road north of Dan Gap.

Fire Activity: Little fire activity is expected today because of higher humidity and light rain.  Firefighters will take advantage of these improved conditions to construct direct fireline where terrain allows. The north side of the fire closest to Sky Valley continues to be quiet with few hotspots being found. Crews will be working on constructing line from Wilson Knob to Blackstump Gap. They also will be working from Dan Gap to Walnut Fork on the south. North of Rabun Gap firefighters have completed the primary line from Beegum Gap to Hale Ridge and today crews are looking for opportunities to construct line closer to the fire’s edge.

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 67 degrees and minimum relative humidity of 65%. Winds will be southeast with sustained speeds of 10-15 mph and gusts of 20-25 mph. More rain is expected tomorrow. Rainfall totals over the two days expected to be 0.75 to 1.0 inch.

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