Single Publication

March 26, 2025 

Acres: 480 acres                                                                                              Start Date: 03/22/2025 

Location: Clayton, GA                                                                                    Personnel: 92 

Containment: 0%                                                                                          Fuels: Timber 

Resources:      4 crews | 3 engines | 1 dozer | 1 helicopters 

Highlights: Due to high winds and low relative humidities the Big Ridge Fire grew Tuesday.  Late in the day the fire made a significant run and crossed the initial control lines on the northeast side and is now in the headwaters of Addie Branch.  Firefighters are working on options for continued direct attack on the fire in this area. 

Fire Activity: On the north side of the fire a line has been constructed from Rabun Bald to Saltrock Gap.  If conditions allow, a strategic firing operation will occur along this line today to secure this flank of the fire.  Lines were also constructed east from Rabun Bald towards Coldspring Gap and will serve as the primary control line in this area.  Secondary control lines will be constructed from Rabun Bald towards Beegum Gap and then east towards Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 7).  Control lines have been established at the south and west sides of the fire and yesterday crews worked to improve these lines.  Substantial smoke will be visible from the Big Ridge Fire today and may settle into Warwoman Valley at night. 

Weather:  Low humidity and gusty winds will lead to dangerous fire conditions today. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of northern Georgia where the most hazardous conditions are expected. Today’s forecast calls for 65 degrees, minimum relative humidity of 15%, and winds will be northwest with sustained speeds of 13 mph and gusts of 28 mph. The rest of the week will be dry, but winds will be less strong.  The next chance of rain is on Sunday.

Evacuations: None.  

Closures: Sarah’s Creek Campground, Sarah’s Creek Road (Forest Service Road 156), Tuckaluge Road (Forest Service Road 153), Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 7). 

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