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).
Anna Ruby Falls closed for maintenance
Press Release August 8, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The U.S. Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests announced Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area will be closed to allow repairs and replacement of the split-rail fence along the extremely popular interpretive trail to the falls.
Because the .8-mile trail leading to the falls is so heavily-used on a daily basis, there is a critical need for structural repairs to the fence that borders the trail to enhance the safety of visitors and staff.
To ensure visitor and employee safety, Anna Ruby Falls will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month, beginning August 10th, and will conclude repairs on August 31. Normal operations will resume on September 1, in which the site will be open daily from 9:00 – 6:00pm through the end of the year.
Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia, and has become one of the state’s premier scenic destinations for tourists and locals alike for years. Curtis and York Creeks converge and form twin waterfalls at a height of 150 feet and 50 feet, respectively, creating an amazing natural phenomenon that is likely to impress anyone who appreciates the beauty of our public lands.
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is managed and operated by FIND Outdoors, a 49-year old nonprofit based in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Tray Mountain wildfire keeps firefighters busy
Business March 10, 2021PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Fire units were summoned to Tray Mountain Tuesday afternoon around 5 p.m. Upon arrival they found a fire moving up the mountain with two potential exposures in danger.
White County with automatic aid from Helen City Fire made a break around the fire and structures with air blowers and hand lines. The US and Georgia Forestry units responded and the incident was turned over to forestry services. Approximately 10 acres burned with no damages or injuries reported. Fire units were on the scene for approximately six hours.
The cause of the fire has been undetermined, however, this is a great reminder of not burning when dangerous fire condition exist. Yesterday was a Class 5 Fire Danger day, which is the highest danger level. Burning permits had been suspended and the fire department extinguished other illegal burns through the day.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest open but services, facilities limited
News May 30, 2020
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
NEWS RELEASE
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Although recreation opportunities are available with the reopening of additional trails and recreation areas, some facilities and services remain limited on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Visitors should know what to expect before leaving home: Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services available. While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
UPDATE: Additional recreation sites, including several campgrounds, have reopened. Please see a list of affected recreation locations and services by visiting:
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap
Please note that Anna Ruby Falls is now open, BUT with limited hours of operation, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be open from Thursday through Sunday. There is a set capacity for the parking lot of 40 vehicles. Once that amount has been reached, cars will be turned around at the gate until the number in the parking lot decreases.
We anticipate that Brasstown Bald may open soon once routine maintenance issues can be addressed. Trails and the observation deck is currently open.
Please contact the nearest District office for further details. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/about-forest/offices
USDA logo – color United States Department of Agriculture
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
News Release
Limited services, facilities at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests recreation areas
Gainesville, Ga. (May 22, 2020) — Although recreation opportunities are available this Memorial holiday weekend with the reopening of additional trails and recreation areas, some facilities and services remain limited on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Visitors should know what to expect before leaving home: Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services available. While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are coordinating with federal, state and county officials to reopen areas once it can be accomplished safely. Campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic pavilions, restrooms and other developed recreation sites remain closed due to continued limitations on gatherings and the limited availability of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.
Forest Service staff are examining each site to ensure operations comply with current public health guidance. Additional recreation sites including some campgrounds are expected to reopen in June.
For updated information on temporary closures on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation. The latest information about recreation sites is also available on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
About the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
To receive instant alerts and updates on forest information, follow @ChattOconeeNF on Twitter and Facebook or visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
White County Fire Services responds to woods fire
News May 19, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –White County Fire Services responded to a woods fire in the area of Whitley Gap shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Four fire service personnel had to hike into the area to determine the exact location of the fire.
Upon arrival of personnel at the shelter, they located a male hiker in his 70’s, they stayed with him until they could safely evacuate him to his vehicle. USFS personnel were notified and responded to extinguish the fire due to it being on National Forest property.
White County Fire Service personnel were on scene four hours assisting, estimated area involved was roughly 5-6 acres. The start of the fire was believed to be intentional.