U.S. Forest Service
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Conasauga District
3941 Highway 76
Chatsworth, GA 30705
706-695-6736
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/conf
Rough Ridge Fire Update
For Immediate Release Contact: (470) 208-2839
Roughridgefireteam1@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChattOconeeNF/
Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5078.
#RoughRidgeFire
FAST FACTS: The
Rough Ridge Fire is 27,870 acres and
50% contained. 232 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Resources include
4 crews, 2 helicopters,
10 engines, 2 Water Tenders and 2
dozers.
Location: Cohutta
Wilderness Area on the
Chattahoochee National Forest
Note: Southern California Incident Management Team 1 is in command of the fire. The Incident
Command Post will be at 815 N. 3rd St. in Chatsworth, Georgia.
Current Fire Situation: Yesterday the Rough Ridge Fire experienced high winds through
the day but did
not have any perimeter growth. As wind travelled over the area, leaves were
scattered and exposed remaining hot spots that
were previously covered. Although small
amounts of smoke were produced,
crews were able to identify them and completely extinguish them. The
new
leaf litter produced by the wind began to
cover established containment
lines and crews quickly
cleared the leaves to reinforce
the containment lines.
Planned
Actions: Today firefighters will be monitoring
the fires edge and
mopping up any hot spots.
Leaves will be mechanically
cleared from containment lines
to ensure the fire remains confined
within the perimeter. If new fires
start in the state or
forest lands, crews
assigned to the fire will be available
to respond and assist local agencies.
Fire
Weather: Temperatures
in the fire area will
be
the lowest seen since it started
and will
range from 20 degrees for the low and 40
degrees for the high.
The red flag warning from yesterday will remain in place
until late tonight and relative
humidity is forecasted to be at a low of
15 percent. A freeze warning
will also be in
effect for the area
as well.
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 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.
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: Due to the current winds, air quality will be good in all areas surrounding the fire today. 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.
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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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