For a downloadable, printable PDF of this release, click here
FAST FACTS: The
Rough Ridge Fire is 27,870 acres and 45% contained. 234 personnel are assigned
to the fire. Resources include 4 crews, 4 helicopters, 8 engines, 4 Water
Tenders and 2 dozers.
Location: Cohutta Wilderness
Area on the Chattahoochee National Forest
Note:
Southern California Incident Management
Team 1 has assumed command of the fire. The incident Command Post will be at
815 N. 3rd St. in Chatsworth, Georgia. The public is urged to be
aware of the increased vehicle traffic around the Command Post and travelling
on Highway 411 through Chatsworth, Georgia.
Current Fire
Situation: Creeping and smoldering will continue around the fire
perimeter today. Forest Service roads and trails are being used for containment
lines and are continually being monitored for fire spread. Creeping and
smoldering will continue in the interior areas of the fire, consuming the
unburned fuels. This will promote animal migration and a healthier forest in the future.
A small increases in acreage occurred as more accurate mapping
determined the perimeter was slightly larger.
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| For a zoomable PDF of this map, click here |
Planned Actions: Today on the Rough Ridge Fire crews
will be patrolling and extinguishing hotspots on and near the fires edge. The
northern most part of the fire is in a very remote part of the wilderness and
will be monitored by ground and air resources. If new fires start in the state
or forest lands, crews assigned to the fire will be available to respond and
assist in containing them.
Fire Weather: Today, the fire area will be under a red flag
warning for wind and low relative humidity as a cold front approaches. Early
this morning, there was very little rainfall across the fire area and with the
combination of low relative humidity and high winds forecasted, potential for
fire spread is present. Wind gust will be in the 30 to 35 mph range on the
ridge tops and pose a challenge for firefighters. There is a 30 percent
possibility of wide scattered showers today with a total rain fall of less than
a tenth of an inch.
Closures: By the authority of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Order CO-13-36 the entire Cohutta Wilderness, National Forest lands north and west of
FS Road 64, and National Forest lands east of FS Road 16, and the Conasauga
River are closed. In addition, the
following areas are closed:
·
FS Road 64 from Watson Gap to Potato Patch (entire length).
·
FS Road 68 from Holly Creek Gap to Lake Conasauga.
·
FS Road 49 from Lake Conasauga to Grassy Mountain Tower.
·
FS Road 17 from the intersection with FS road 68 to Old Highway 2.
·
FS Road 16 between the Conasauga River and Jacks River.
·
FS Road 51 from the intersection of Cottonwood Patch to the wilderness
boundary.
·
FS Road 630 east of Hickey Gap at Lackey Knob and Hal Brannon Road.
·
Jack’s River Fields, Cottonwood Patch, Lake Conasauga (and the day-use
area) and Overflow Campgrounds.
The
Conasauga Ranger District has brought in additional Law Enforcement personnel
to assist with road closures and fire restrictions. Officers are increasing patrols and working
extended shifts.
Hunters
preparing for the big game hunt season should remain aware of closure
information. Please respect all closures and monitor changes in the coming
days. Closures are in place for public and firefighter safety.
 |
| For a printable PDF of this graph click here |
A total fire ban is in place on the Chattahoochee-Oconee
National Forests. This means building,
maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire (including charcoal based
fire whether contained in a grill or not) is prohibited. Commercially available
fuel stoves (camp stoves) are allowed. In addition, Fannin, Gilmer, and Murray Counties are among counties
that have issued a ban on all outdoor burning until further notice. No open
burning of any type is permitted, including campfires and fire pits.
Due to the extreme drought conditions, we are encouraging all
individuals to use Firewise tactics around their home and property. For information on Firewise, visit www.firewise.org. Below are a few recommendations:
- Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
- Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. If it is brown cut it down to reduce fire intensity.
- Remove fuel within 3-5 feet of your home’s foundation and out buildings including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch
- Remove dead vegetation surrounding your home, within the 30-100 foot area.
Air Quality: The air quality today will be good to moderate
throughout the communities near the fire. Sensitive
groups including individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease, children,
older adults and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to
smoke. If you feel like you are having health effects from smoke, see your
doctor or health professional as needed. Use caution when driving in or around
smoky areas. For the most up-to-date air quality report, visit Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5078.
Fire Information: Fire information, photos and videos can be found
on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5078. Also, updated information is available on the Chattahoochee-Oconee Facebook
page or by calling the Rough Ridge fire information line at 470-208-2839. For
information about closures or fire restrictions, visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee
website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
###
For more updates and to learn more about Georgia's national
forests, visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf. You can also get the latest forest news by liking
us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @ChattOconeeNF or
downloading the forest’s mobile app at http://tinyurl.com/CONFmobileapp.
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