Rabun County has implemented a temporary Emergency Outdoor Burn Ban effective at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 until Thursday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. The ban is on all outdoor burning to include, but not limited to: any outdoor open flame; campfires/warming fires; cooking fires or charcoal grills; fire pits; fire rings; chimineas; debris removal; barrel burning; leaf clearing; land clearing for both commercial and residential; and fireworks.
Rabun County Emergency Management Director Brian Panell said that Rabun County is currently experiencing some extremely dry conditions and the chance of having a possible uncontrollable wildfire cannot be taken.
"Areas around our county are experiencing wildfires that are uncontained and growing each day. Rabun County received notification that the U.S. Forest Service will also be looking at issuing a burn ban in the very near future, but we do not have any more information in regards to their ban at this time," Panell said.
The Rabun County Board of Commissioners issued a press release Thursday advising of the burn ban, signed by County Administrator Darrin Giles, Rabun County Fire Services Chief James Reed, and Rabun County Emergency Management Director Brian Panell.
"Rabun County, Ga. is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which greatly increases the potential for dangerous and uncontrollable wildfire activity. Rabun County, Ga. has noted drastically decreased recorded rain fall amounts in the last 30-45 days, which causes the increased threat of wildfires daily-with increased fuel loads, decreased humidities, and increased winds conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer-and requiring more firefighting resources-to contain and ultimately control. Wildland firefighting resources are being tasked with other large controlled fires in the Southeast Region and will have delayed responses responding if needed.
"With the safety and well-being of Rabun County's citizens and visitors, and the protection of the community and lands, effective immediately, Rabun County Fire Services, Rabun County Office of Emergency Management, and the Rabun County Board of Commissioners are implementing an Emergency Outdoor Burn Ban. The above listed agencies have enacted a burn ban on all outdoor burning to include, but not limited to: any outdoor open flame; campfires/warming fires; cooking fires or charcoal grills; fire pits; fire rings; chimineas; debris removal; barrel burning; leaf clearing; land clearing for both commercial and residential; and fireworks.
"Even though Rabun County is predicted to receive a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the risks of wildfire danger.
"This temporary ban will be in effect starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 and will continue until Thursday, Nov. 23. After this initial ban, it will be re-evaluated based on current conditions and weather precipitations predictions at that time. Depending on weather conditions, this temporary ban could be extended. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these dangerous conditions," according to the press release.