Incident Publication

Fort Collins, Colo. (April 9, 2025) — The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest is closely monitoring local conditions to resume prescribed fire operations on the Magic Feather Prescribed Burn, located near Red Feather Lakes, for the end of this week and into next week. The first potential day for ignitions is Friday, April 11, 2025, with favorable forecasts currently extending during various time periods through the end of next week. In the interest of public and firefighter safety, this area will be closed to the public during operations. Watch for warning signs along roads and trails near all prescribed fire areas before, after, and during prescribed burns.

Prescribed fires are used to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. The Magic Feather Project is now in its fifth year of burning, located east and southeast of Red Feather Lakes along Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E). Since April of this year, wildfire managers have successfully treated 500 acres through broadcast burning at Magic Feather.

This project is being executed in a phased manner, with 2,700 acres currently under observation for appropriate conditions. Required prescribed fire conditions include appropriate weather, fuel moistures and smoke dispersal as well as adequate personnel to support the planned project. Weather is monitored throughout the potential burn window and ignitions will not occur if conditions fall outside of the required prescriptions.

Residents and visitors in the vicinity should anticipate the presence of smoke during the prescribed burning operations. Smoke is most likely to be visible from Red Feather Lakes and Northern Front Range communities. Smoke may also impact those using the Dowdy Lake and West Lake recreation areas. Local fire departments and county emergency management officials are collaborating closely on this project, and will be notified when burning begins.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit Wood smoke and your health. Stay informed about scheduled prescribed fires on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests through the forest website, email lists, social media channels and Inciweb

Fire officials on the Lolo National Forest may implement prescribed fire operations this week, as weather and fuels conditions allow. 

Superior Ranger District: Firefighters will burn up to 0 acres in the Second Chance Creek project area, 8 miles southeast of Superior in the North Fork Second Creek drainage.  Smoke may be visible from Interstate 90 in the Lozeau area.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District: Firefighters plan to conduct up to 20 acres of understory burning on the Clear Creek units 6 miles west of Thompson Falls.  Minimal smoke impacts are anticipated; however, smoke may be visible from Thompson Falls. 

April 6, 2025 

Acres: 3,434 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                   Personnel: 115 

Containment: 88%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 2 crews | 4 engines | 3 dozers | 1 helicopter |1 chipper|1 Excavator

Highlights: This will be the last update for the Big Ridge Fire unless significant activity occurs.  Yesterday crews made good progress on fireline repair.  The only remaining heat on the fire consists of large logs and stump holes and crews will continue searching for and extinguishing this heat. A closure order is still in place around the Big Ridge Fire for firefighter and public safety.  Crews and heavy equipment will still be working and moving around the fire perimeter after this rain passes and the closure will remain in place until it is safe to lift.

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:  Heavy rain is expected over the fire area today into Monday.  The forecast today calls for 69 degrees, 71% minimum humidity, and winds southwest 8 mph gusting to 28.  Thunderstorms are possible.  Following this frontal passage temperatures will be much cooler, and humidity will also be lower.

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: 770-530-3950    

Ninemile Ranger District:  Firefighters will burn up to 40 acres in the Corral Creek project area, 2.5 miles south of Huson. Ignitions are scheduled to begin in the morning hours and will be completed the same day.  Minimal smoke impacts are anticipated; however, smoke may be visible from Interstate 90 in the Huson area.

All prescribed fires will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the appropriate county health departments to minimize the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities.

April 5, 2025 

Acres: 3,434 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                  Personnel: 199 

Containment: 88%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 4 crews | 6 engines | 3 dozers | 1 helicopter |1 Chipper| 1 Excavator

Highlights: Today a Type 3 team assumed command of the Big Ridge Fire from the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team.  The primary activity occurring on the fire today is fireline suppression repair.  A drone with infrared was used yesterday to identify hot spots that need to be extinguished and will be used again today.  The only remaining heat on the fire consists of large logs and stump holes.  Crews will continue searching for and extinguishing these remaining sources of heat.  No fire spread is expected today. 

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:  The forecast today calls for 82 degrees, 40% minimum humidity, and winds south-southwest 9-13 mph. There will be occasional gusts to 27. A frontal system is forecast to impact the region Sunday into Sunday night, with widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms expected over the incident area. Chance of wetting rain is 90%. Following this frontal passage temperatures will be much cooler, and humidity will also be lower.

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: 770-530-3950    

Big Ridge Fire Recorded Information Line: 706-982-4729                      

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

NATIONAL FORESTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

PISGAH RANGER DISTRICT

PISGAH FOREST, NORTH CAROLINA

FOREST ORDER# 08-11-07-25-01

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), the area of National Forest System lands in the “Rattlesnake Branch Fire Area” located on the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest is closed to entry. The area is closed to entering and/or being upon or present. This order is intended to mitigate risks to public health and safety, and to provide for disaster and safety operations, and to protect the resources while responding to and recovering from the Rattlesnake Branch fire. This closure is effective until May 31, 2025, or until rescinded by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.

The area that is closed includes National Forest System lands within the Shining Rock Wilderness as depicted on the attached map. Only National Forest System lands are impacted by this closure.

The above prohibited acts are set forth in 36 CFR section 261.53 (e) Special Closures for Public Health or Safety. It is prohibited to go into or be upon any of the area described in this order.

Pursuant to 36 CFR, § 261.50 (e), the following persons or areas are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a special use permit or contract specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act of omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Executed in Asheville North Carolina, on April 4, 2025.

____________________________

James E. Melonas

FOREST SUPERVISOR

NATIONAL FORESTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Violations of the above prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000.00 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. Title 16 USC 551 and Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.

Media Contact:

Southern Area Red Team

2025.RattlesnakeBranch@firenet.gov

(828) 519-8242

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ncncf-rattlesnake-branch

https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc/

Rattlesnake Branch Fire Final Update -- April 4, 2025

NOTE: This is the last update of the Rattlesnake Branch Fire by the Southern

Area Red Complex Incident Management Team. A smaller team will remain in

place for the remainder of the incident and can be reach at the contact above.

CRUSO, N.C., April 4, 2025 – The Rattlesnake Branch Fire remains at

approximately 1,843 acres and 26-percent contained. With several resources

returning home, more than 110 personnel continue to work on the fire.

Yesterday’s Activities

Yesterday, many firefighters and equipment were released from the fire because

they were in excess of current needs for the Rattlesnake Branch Fire. Management

of the fire has shifted to monitoring, patrolling and completing data collection for

structure protection and potential places for fire line construction. In the Crawford

Creek Area, crews cleared roads for emergency access. Most of the assessment

work yesterday was northwest and west of the fire, near the Camp Daniel Boone

Boy Scout Camp and including the Frazier and Little East Fork Road systems. The

drone flew up to the peak of Cold Mountain and checked the southern fire perimeter

for heat signatures. Some areas of the fire received more rain yesterday.

Today’s Activities

More firefighters and equipment will be released from the fire today. Remaining

personnel will continue to patrol and mop up around structures in Crawford Creek

and Cruso, as needed, and improve fire lines to protect structures in the Burnett,

Lenoir and Dix creek drainages and around the Boy Scout Camp.

A hotshot crew will also work to assess and clear trails on Cold Mountain. Roads

and fire lines used for fire suppression around Crawford Creek, Cruso and Burnette

Cove Road will be repaired, including installing water bars on roads to prevent

erosion. Firefighters will continue to collect data on potential future fire lines and

structures for a structure protection plan, including data on interior logging logs west

of the current fire footprint.

Weather/Fire Behavior: Today will be mostly cloudy with warmer temperatures and

strong southerly winds. A strong, rainy cold front arrives Sunday, with wetting rain

(1.5 – 1.75 inches) and thunderstorms. The high temperature today will be 71 -76

degrees with 45-48 percent minimum relative humidity. Winds will be south to

southwest, 10-14 mph with gusts to 32 mph.

Minimal fire activity is expected again today due to moisture retained by dead leaves

and woody vegetation on the ground.

Closures and Restrictions: The Pisgah National Forest has modified an area

closure of the Shining Rock Wilderness Area to protect the public from wildfire and

firefighting operations. This closure includes all National Forest System land in the

Shining Rock Wilderness Area only. Please stay safe and keep out of the wilderness

area.

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes

use of personal drones.

For wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/nfsnc or visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incidentinformation/

ncncf-rattlesnake-branch.

Termination of an Order

ORDER NUMBER: 08-03-00-25-01
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE CHATTAHOOCHEE-OCONEE NATIONAL FOREST
BLUE RIDGE RD, CHATTOOGA RIVER RD, CONASAUGA RD, & OCONEE RD

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and/or (b), the prohibition listed in Order 08-03-00-25-01, applicable to all lands and waters that comprise the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattooga River Ranger District, Conasauga Ranger District, and Oconee Ranger District, Georgia, dated March 27, 2025, is hereby terminated effective April 04, 2025. Executed in Gainesville, Georgia, this 4th day of April 2025.

April 4, 2025 

Acres: 3,434 acres                                                                                       Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                   Personnel: 224 

Containment: 88%                                                                                        Fuels: Timber 

Resources: 4 crews | 11 engines | 3 dozers | 1 helicopter |1 Masticator| 1 Excavator

Highlights: On Saturday the Southern Area Gold Complex Incident Management Team will turn management of the Big Ridge Fire back to the Forest.  The Forest Type 3 Team will be responsible for completing suppression and repair work on the Fire.  Yesterday structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission completed their work around the Big Ridge Fire. 

Fire Activity: No fire spread is expected today.  The only remaining heat on the fire consists of large logs and stump holes.  Crews will be focused on finding and extinguishing these remaining sources of heat on the fire.  Another activity occurring today is fireline repair, which consists of restoring any damage caused by suppression actions. 

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:  The forecast today calls for 82 degrees, 47% minimum humidity, and winds southwest 8-12 mph. There will be occasional gusts to 22. There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms today and tomorrow.  A frontal system is forecast to impact the region Sunday into Sunday night, with widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms expected over the incident area. Chance of wetting rain is 80%.

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: 770-530-3950    

Big Ridge Fire Recorded Information Line: 706-982-4729                      

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

Sky Valley

GOOD to MODERATE air quality is expected, with fire activity significantly decreasing.

SMOKE
Much of the area will likely have GOOD to MODERATE air quality. However, strong winds from the south may cause air quality impacts originating outside the outlook area. Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, and Taylors may have periods of MODERATE air around midday.

SPECIAL STATEMENT
Stay informed of evacuation orders, air quality alerts, fire danger information, and other public safety advisories in your area.

HEALTH STATEMENT
Smoke can be harmful to your health. Check with your doctor if there are any health concerns and monitor your local air quality conditions using the Fire and Smoke Map.

FINAL OUTLOOK
This is the final smoke outlook for this incident.