Unicoi Wildfire Monday morning update
Press Release February 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Public Safety Director David Murphy provided the following update on the Unicoi Wildfire that has now burned 180 acres of forest land.
Estimated acres burned/involved = 180
USFS crews worked through the night keeping lines in tow. The reports are very good on the containment. Weather will play a significant role today as low relative humidity and wind speeds are concerned.
Unicoi left flank Division Alpha on top ridge is of primary concern with winds pushing into this area.
USFS and GFC will be working this event through the day. White County Fire Services will be on alert of structural protection. Additional stations have been manned today.
- Sullens assigned to Unified Command for liaison and support.
USFS PIO on site in ICP.
We continue with TYPE 3 Incident Command and Complexity.
Smith Creek Trail is closed. Anna Ruby and Unicoi State Park is open but on alert for closure if necessary.
Planning meeting at 2PM at Unified Command.
EVENT WEATHER:
Here is the latest update on winds and other parameters for the Unicoi Fire as of 6:15 AM Monday morning.
Winds: West-northwest surface winds will increase to 8-12 mph today with occasional gusts between 15-18 mph possible. On Tuesday, southeast surface winds will be relatively light (that is, generally under 5 mph).
Humidity: Relative humidity will bottom out around 25% this afternoon, mainly between 1 PM and 5 PM, and recover to 60% to 70% overnight into early Tuesday morning. Relative humidity will drop to around 35% mainly between 1 PM and 5 PM on Tuesday afternoon.
Sky Cover: No cloud cover is expected today. Some high clouds (cirrus) will be possible on Tuesday. Low-level cloud cover will increase on Wednesday, with Thursday being mostly cloudy to overcast.
Rain: There is a slight chance of rain showers on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Widespread showers are expected on Thursday with thunderstorms possible. Periods of moderate to heavy rain are expected, and accumulated rainfall from early Thursday morning to early Friday morning could total nearly 3 inches.
Firefighters continued to battle Unicoi Wildfire Sunday
News February 14, 2022
Firefighters spent Saturday and Sunday battling a wildfire on Tray Mountain north of Helen (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission with support from White County Fire Services worked for a second day to extinguish the Unicoi Wildfire that has consumed 60 acres north of Helen.
The fire is believed to have started Saturday by a homeowner burning leaves on Tray Mountain in White County. Firefighters reportedly had the fire under control at one point, but dry, windy weather caused it to spread and led to a call for more firefighters to respond.
Firefighters ignited a controlled burn on Sunday in an effort to keep it from spreading while others used helicopters to draw water from Unicoi Lake and dropping it on the blaze.
Firefighters drew water from Unicoi Lake and dropped it on the fire to try to end the blaze. (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).
No injuries have been reported, however, one man was treated for smoke inhalation.
Public safety personnel urged residents to stay away from the area around SR 356, north of Helen and reminded citizens that anyone who starts a fire that damages another person’s property can be held liable.
Flames from Unicoi Wildfire rise high above Tray Mountain Sunday, (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).