Single Publication

March 31, 2025 

Acres: 2,862 acres                                                                                           Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                    Personnel: 259 

Containment: 8%                                                                                          Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 14 crews | 11 engines | 4 dozers | 1 helicopter 

Highlights: The Big Ridge Fire has received 0.25 inches of rain as of 7:00 a.m. today.  An additional 0.5 to 1.0 inches are expected. This rain will not put the fire out, but it will give firefighters the opportunity to construct direct line where terrain allows. Structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission are visiting communities around the Big Ridge Fire along Warwoman Creek. 

Fire Activity: Little fire activity is expected today because of the rain. On the north side of the fire closest to Sky Valley the fire is quiet, and this is where firefighters have achieved containment. Crews will be scouting direct line east from Rabun Bald to Coldspring Gap. Firefighters completed the line from Dan Gap to Walnut Fork on the south yesterday and crews will be improving and holding this line today. Secondary line construction will also continue.

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 50%. Winds will be south with sustained speeds of 5-10 mph and gusts of 20 mph. This evening winds will shift to northwest with sustained speeds of 10-20 mph and gusts up to 35 mph. Tuesday will be much drier and warm.

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                      

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