An extension is possible
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 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 on Nov. 9 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 rainfall 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.
“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 precipitation 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.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest issued a press release Nov. 13 stating that North Georgia is still in wildfire danger despite recent rainfall.
“Georgia has been in a prolonged drought, and recent rainfall has only slightly moderated fire conditions. While the moisture lessened the chance of wildfire in some areas, vegetation is still prone to igniting with the smallest spark,” according to the press release.
“The northwest corner of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has been impacted the most by recent wildfires. Don’t let that little bit of moisture trick you into thinking we are out of critical fire danger,” according to Mike Davis, fire management officer for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, in the press release. “Even though it has lessened the probability and possibility of a wildfire starting, it doesn’t mean it cannot occur.”
Drought information
North Georgia received less than half an inch of rain recently which barely moistens leaves and vegetation covering the forest floor that could serve as fuel for wildfires. People may assume we are out of fire danger. However, vegetation may dry in a couple of hours making wildfire conditions likely again, according to the press release.
“After a moderate rain, grasses and leaves will dry within hours. Even after a heavy rain, these fine fuels will dry out within a few days,” said April Phillips, National Fire Prevention Education team lead, in the press release. “Passing vehicles dry roadside vegetation even more quickly. The slightest spark from a dragging trailer safety chain, parking or driving on dry grass or throwing a lit cigarette from the vehicle can start a wildfire.”
Working together can protect Georgia from destructive and devastating wildfires. To find out about fire restrictions in your community, please contact your local fire department or the nearest local Georgia Forestry Commission office by calling 1-800-GA-TREES (428-7337) or send a message online. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/conf for more information.