Big Ridge

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Big Ridge Fire started on March 22, 2025, in the Sarah's Creek area of the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area in Clayton, Georgia[2][3][4]. **Size and Containment** As of April 2, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 3,274 acres and is 39% contained[3]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has been burning in conditions of abnormally dry to medium drought, with steep and rocky terrain dictating indirect tactics. Recent rainfall has helped reduce fire activity, but the fire continues to smolder and creep in some areas. The change in acres reported is largely due to more accurate mapping rather than new fire growth[3][4]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters are constructing direct and indirect fire control lines in all directions. They have made significant progress, particularly on the northern edge near Sky Valley and on the southern perimeter from Dan Gap to Walnut Fork. Secondary containment lines are also being constructed to ensure the fire does not spread beyond the primary lines[3][4].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **No Evacuations** There are currently no evacuation orders in place, although structure protection specialists are working with communities near the fire to assess risks and offer support where needed[3][4][5]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** **Closure Order** A closure order is in effect for the vicinity of the Big Ridge Fire, impacting areas such as the Bartram Trail, Sarah’s Creek Campground, and the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. For detailed closure information, visit the InciWeb page[1][3][4]. **For more information, visit:** - [InciWeb Big Ridge Fire page]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/gachf-big-ridge-fire - [U.S. Forest Service Facebook page]: https://www.facebook.com/ChattOconeeNF - [Big Ridge Fire Information Line]: 706-982-4729 or email at 2025.BigRidge@firenet.gov[1][3].

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Structures and Infrastructure** While there are no reports of structures destroyed, the fire is impacting several areas including the Bartram Trail, Sarah’s Creek Campground, and the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. Structure protection specialists are actively assessing and protecting communities along Warwoman Creek and in the Sky Valley area[2][4][5]. **Injuries and Fatalities** There are no reported injuries or fatalities directly attributed to the Big Ridge Fire[1][3][5]. **Power Outages and Other Impacts** No specific power outages or other infrastructure impacts have been reported. However, the fire's presence in a remote area with steep terrain poses challenges for firefighting efforts[2][4]. **Safety Concerns:** **Air Quality** Residents are advised to monitor air quality, which can be affected by smoke from the fire. For air quality updates, visit https://www.airnow.gov/[3]. **Weather and Fire Behavior** The fire is expected to see minimal activity due to recent rainfall, but warmer and drier conditions later in the week could increase fire behavior. Winds and humidity levels will be closely monitored[3][4].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Firefighters anticipate continued progress in containing the fire, with an estimated containment date of April 30, 2025. The recent rainfall has provided a crucial window for establishing containment lines, and crews are focusing on strengthening and holding these lines[2][3][4]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** The forecast includes cooler temperatures and higher humidity in the short term, followed by a warming and drying trend later in the week. Winds are expected to shift and increase, which could impact fire behavior. Scattered showers are possible on Sunday, which may help maintain lower fire activity[3][4].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Big Ridge Fire is currently under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations. It is believed to be human-caused, and authorities are seeking information from anyone who may have observed suspicious activity in the area on March 22, 2025[1][3][4]. **Weather and Climate** The fire is being fueled by abnormally dry to medium drought conditions and steep, rocky terrain. Recent rainfall has helped reduce fire activity, but the area is expected to return to warmer and drier conditions later in the week, which could increase fire behavior. The ongoing weather pattern, including winds and humidity levels, is critical in determining the fire's spread and intensity[2][3][4].

Citations

['https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/gachf-big-ridge-fire/big-ridge-fire-daily-update-march-29-03-29-2025', 'http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/gachf-big-ridge-fire', 'http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/gachf-big-ridge-fire/big-ridge-fire-update-april-2-04-02-2025', 'https://nowhabersham.com/efforts-to-contain-big-ridge-fire-continue-as-rain-improves-conditions/', 'https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/big-ridge-fire-rabun-county-georgia-update-sunday-march-30/85-857fed43-0124-4e90-9f38-3bed10ffc9d6']