Sunday, November 20, 2016

11-20-16 Rock Mountain Update

For an emailable, printable document click here:  http://tinyurl.com/11-20-Rock-Mountain-Fire

Rock Mountain Fire Update


Yesterday’s Activities:  Winds gusts on Saturday reached speeds of 36 miles per hour and the relative
 humidity was 20%. 

On the north end of the fire wind pushed a small area (less than 5 acres) past the Appalachian trail
 to the north.  Once it burned over the hill, the wind held pushed it back on itself, preventing further
 spread at that location. 

County and rural fire departments provided structure protection at Tate City.  Leaves blowing onto
 heat sources such as burned stumps or root wads started to re-burn within the fire perimeter.  Efforts
 to establish and re-clear trails were hindered by winds blowing leaves in behind firefighters.  
helped to keep fire spread in check as conditions allowed.

Today’s Operations:   Firefighters will work to hold on to existing containment lines as they 
tested by wind gusts blowing up to 25-30 mph on the ridge tops.  Crews will re-clear, patrol and 
hold existing containment lines; remaining watchful for situations where additional leaf fall in areas
 of heat may cause the fire to re-ignite.  In cooperation with County and Local fire fighters, crews 
will continue patrol around structures. 

Weather:  There is another red flag warning for wind and low humidity on Sunday through 8:00 p.m.
  Wind speeds should be comparable to those experienced Saturday and relative humidity may be as
 low as 15%.  With gusts of winds expected at 25-30 miles per hour on the ridge tops, rate of     
spread is expected to be 1-2 miles per day.  Where weather and topography align, you could expect
 short runs of up to ½ mile.

Frequent questions arise about what can be done to protect homes in the event of fire.  The firewise
 program has information available at www.firewise.org and Frank Riley is the Executive Director 
for Georgia.
Evacuations:
Rabun County
·         Pre-evacuation for Patterson Gap north of Ramah Darom Church Camp
·         Pre-evacuation of all roads at Bettys Creek, north of Tom Wilson Rd to the state line; this
includes Messer Creek Rd, Hambidge Ct, High Darnell Rd, Bryes Place Ln,
·         Pre-evacuation for the Plum Orchard community.
·         Pre-evacuation for the Coleman River/Nichols Branch Road areas.
Towns County - Call 706-896-7460 for further information
·         Pre-evacuation for Tate City and Hightower area.
·         Evacuation notice in effect for residents in Clay County NC, north of Tate City in the Dream
Catcher Cove Area.
Closures:
·         Charlies Creek Road, off Tallulah River Road.
·         Tallulah River Road (Forest Service Road 70).
·         The Appalachian Trail between Dicks Creek Gap, Georgia, to Rock Gap, North Carolina
An area closure has been issued for the Nantahala wilderness area

Quick Facts
Incident Summary
Size
Rock Mountain: 11,287
Fire
Containment
Rock Mountain: 30%
Incident Commander:
Noel Livingston, PNW Team 3
Resources
on the Fire
Crews: 14
Engines: 21
Water Tender: 4
Dozers: 3
Tractor Plow  1
Helicopters: 5
Total
Personnel
498
Jurisdiction
USDA Forest Service, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests






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