Firefighters across North Georgia were on high alert Wednesday, March 19, as they battled a significant wildfire in Pickens County, coinciding with a Red Flag Warning due to unfavorable weather conditions. The blaze, reported near Burnt Mountain along Highway 136 East around 1:30 PM, quickly consumed nearly 40 acres.
As of 7:45 PM the same day, the wildfire was reported to be about 95% contained, with multiple fire crews, including those from Pickens Fire and Georgia Forestry, actively engaged in controlling the situation. Helicopters were deployed to drop water on the flames, and ground crews worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading further.
No properties or homes were directly threatened, and there were no reported injuries. However, as a precaution, Highway 136 was temporarily closed in both directions to facilitate firefighting efforts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
What exacerbated the situation was the issuance of a Red Flag Warning for several counties in the region, including Union, Towns, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and White. This warning, effective until 9 PM on March 19, indicated that weather conditions were ripe for wildfires, characterized by high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures. Winds from the southwest were recorded at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Relative humidity levels dropped between 15% and 20%, with temperatures hovering between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to meteorologist Alex Forbes from FOX 5 Storm Team, these conditions made it easier for fires to ignite and spread rapidly, stressing that, “Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.” He further advised residents to postpone any prescribed burns due to the increased fire risk.
Looking ahead, a cold front was expected to move through North Georgia overnight, eventually bringing a narrow band of rain by 2 AM on March 20, followed by scattered showers by early morning. Temperatures were forecasted to drop significantly, cooling off by about 20 degrees comparison to March 19.
On March 20, as the weather changes, the Georgia Forestry Commission announced that the wildfire is now 100% contained, signaling a successful firefighting effort. Fire crews had predicted that they would remain on the scene for a while to ensure that no smoldering embers posed a further threat.
The swift response from both local firefighting teams and state resources, including assistance from crews in Gilmer and Lumpkin counties, played a vital role in controlling the wildfire. Additionally, the U.S. Fire Service contributed a 12-man ground crew to aid in efforts to manage the blaze, showcasing a well-coordinated response.
Despite the recent concerns about wildfires due to the weather, the community remains on alert, with advisories on the potential for more flurries and colder temperatures as the front moves through. Forecasts indicated the possibility of some flurries in higher elevations, such as Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Blairsville by March 20 and 21, while nighttime temperatures could see a frost or freeze dipping as low as the metro Atlanta area.
The weather pattern remains unstable, as gusty winds will continue into the next day, with wind gusts surpassing 30 mph. As a result, residents are urged to stay vigilant and cautious given the adverse weather conditions.
In conclusion, while the immediate threat from the wildfire has been contained, the region must remain alert to changing weather patterns that could affect fire risk and possibly bring colder temperatures in the following days. The collaboration between firefighting agencies ensured that the impact of the wildfire was minimized, allowing the community to remain safe.
