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[1][2][5]. **Size and Containment** As of April 1, 2025, the fire has burned 2,964 acres and is 20% contained[2][5]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has been growing steadily, although recent rain and firefighting efforts have slowed its spread. Initially, it was reported at a smaller size but quickly expanded due to dry conditions and steep, rocky terrain. The fire has impacted the Bartram Trail, Sarah’s Creek Campground, and the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area[1][2][5]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters are constructing and improving both direct and indirect fire control lines. They have successfully contained the northern edge of the blaze from Rabun Bald to Wilson Gap near Sky Valley. Mop-up operations are ongoing to extinguish residual heat sources[2][5].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders** There are no evacuation orders in place at this time, although officials are working with Rabun County to ensure an orderly evacuation plan is ready if needed for the Sky Valley community and areas along Warwoman Road[2][5]. **Evacuation Warnings** No evacuation warnings have been issued, but residents are advised to stay informed and exercise caution in fire-prone areas[2][5]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** No specific evacuation shelters have been designated, but residents can stay updated through various public information channels[2][5]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - A closure order remains in effect for areas surrounding the Big Ridge Fire. Specific road closures are not detailed, but the fire area is restricted to public access[2][3]. **For more information, visit:** - [InciWeb's Big Ridge Fire page]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/gachf-big-ridge-fire - [U.S. Forest Service's Big Ridge Fire updates]: https://www.facebook.com/ChattOconeeNF - [Rabun County's Emergency Management updates]: https://nowhabersham.com/big-ridge-fire-containment-up-to-20/

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Injuries and Fatalities** There are no reported fatalities or injuries directly attributed to the Big Ridge Fire[2][5]. **Structures Impacted** No structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed, although structure protection specialists from the Georgia Forestry Commission are assessing potential risks and providing support to communities along Warwoman Creek[2][5]. **Infrastructure and Trails** The fire is impacting the Bartram Trail, Sarah’s Creek Campground, and the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area[1][2][5]. **School and Business Closures** No specific school or business closures have been reported due to the fire[2][5]. **Safety Concerns:** **Air Quality** Air quality in the Sky Valley area is being impacted, and those in sensitive groups are advised to monitor air quality conditions and avoid prolonged exposure to smoke[5]. **Burn Bans** No specific burn bans have been reported, but the fire is burning in conditions of abnormally dry to medium drought, which increases fire danger[1][2]. **Health Risks** Residents are cautioned about the potential health risks from smoke and are advised to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible[5].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Firefighters anticipate continued progress in containing the fire, with an estimated containment date of April 30, 2025. However, the fire remains a challenge due to weather conditions and terrain[2][5]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** Recent rain has aided firefighting efforts, but warmer and drier conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching the 70s and humidity dropping into the 20s and 30s. Gusty winds from the northwest are expected, which could increase fire activity[2][5].

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 unit. Anyone with information about suspicious activity on March 22, 2025, is urged to call the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline at 1-800-428-7337[1][2][5]. **Weather and Climate** The fire is being fueled by abnormally dry to medium drought conditions with dryer than normal fuels. The area has experienced recent rain, which has helped reduce fire activity, but warmer and drier conditions are forecasted, which could exacerbate the fire's spread. The fire is also influenced by steep and rocky terrain, which dictates indirect tactics[1][2][5].

Citations

['http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/gachf-big-ridge-fire', 'https://nowhabersham.com/big-ridge-fire-containment-up-to-20/', 'https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/gachf-big-ridge-fire/big-ridge-fire-daily-update-march-29-03-29-2025', 'https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/meeting-held-update-residents-big-ridge-fire-rabun-county', 'https://nowhabersham.com/firefighters-gain-ground-on-big-ridge-fire/']