Latest news with #GeorgiaForestry
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Twin wildfires burn in White County amid Red Flag Warning
The Brief White County faced two brush fires on Tuesday, exacerbated by gusty winds and rugged terrain, under a Red Flag Warning. Fire services, assisted by Georgia Forestry and local departments, successfully contained both fires without structural damage or injuries, using drones for thermal imaging and situational awareness. Volunteer and off-duty personnel played a crucial role in suppression efforts and ensuring countywide coverage during the incidents. WHITE COUNTY, Ga. - Fire crews in White County responded to two separate brush fires Tuesday as gusty winds and rugged terrain complicated containment efforts, officials said. The county was under a Red Flag Warning for much of the day. SEE ALSO: Heightened wildfire risk this week: Georgia officials warn against outdoor burning What we know The first fire was reported at approximately 11:36 a.m. near Highway 75 Alternate and Chestatee Drive, where a controlled burn escaped its containment lines. White County Fire Services arrived on scene and began immediate containment operations, but the fire quickly spread due to high winds in the area. Georgia Forestry and Helen Fire Department were called to assist, with both county and city crews working to protect nearby residential structures. Approximately six acres of wooded land were affected, but no structural damage was reported. White County Emergency Management deployed its CERT Rehabilitation Unit to support firefighter recovery, and drone unit UAS1 provided thermal overwatch to monitor the fire's spread. Command Staff used real-time thermal imagery to detect spot fires and assess containment. White County Public Safety's Fire Services Division thanked the volunteer and off-duty personnel who aided suppression efforts or remained on standby to ensure continued countywide coverage. SEE ALSO: Fires rage across Floyd County: Rome Fire Department battles multiple blaze Later in the day, at 3:22 p.m., White County 911 Communications dispatched a second fire, this time near Highway 75 South and Grand View Drive in Cleveland. Reports indicated the brush fire was threatening nearby structures. White County Fire Services responded alongside Cleveland Fire Department, which provided automatic aid. Georgia Forestry was again requested due to difficult terrain, and additional county units were deployed to protect homes and reinforce fire lines. The CERT Rehabilitation Unit and drone UAS1 were once again activated, offering vital support and situational awareness through aerial thermal imaging. Both incidents were contained with no reported injuries or structural losses. What we don't know The cause of the fires remains under investigation. The backstory The FOX 5 Storm Team is warning of high fire danger across parts of northwest Georgia on Tuesday afternoon and evening as strong winds combine with dry ground conditions. Sustained westerly winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph, according to forecasters. While relative humidity levels are likely to remain above 25 percent, the presence of dry fuels still poses a significant fire risk. Residents are urged to check with local burn permitting authorities before conducting any outdoor burning. "Hold off on any burning really all the way through Friday," FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Jonathan Stacey advised. What you can do If you observe or have a video of suspicious activity, please contact 911. To report arson, call 1-(800) GA-TREES (428-7337). The Source The details and photos in this article were provided by the White County Office of Public Safety. The FOX 5 Storm Team forecast was also used for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta articles were also used.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews working to contain wildfire in Pickens County
Firefighters in Pickens County are trying to contain a reported wildfire on Wednesday afternoon. Fire officials say the fire is burning near Hwy. 136 East near the Overlook and is about 20% contained. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Crews from four stations and Georgia Forestry are on the scene. Georgia Forestry has also called for air support to help put out the fire. Hwy. 136 is currently shut down as crews fight the fire. There is no word when it will reopen. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. TRENDING STORIES: Extremely emaciated puppy abandoned near Cobb home in freezing weather Georgia Tech student realizes his classmate is the doctor who delivered him Transgender woman says she's dropping out of Miss Georgia USA pageant [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Felt like a warzone,' homes, cars destroyed in Brantley County wildfire
Georgia Forestry is investigating a wildfire in Brantley County that destroyed at least 3 homes and 6 cars in Waynesville. The Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department, one of 13 agencies that responded to the fire on Tuesday afternoon, says it was started by a man who lit a fire nearby, without a permit, while trying to clear land. Firefighters say the flames spread over more than eight acres, in total, going over Harrington, Tyson and Couper roads. Action News Jax's Finn Carlin spoke with a woman who didn't know the fire was happening until she went outside. 'I walk outside and my whole entire neighbor's yard was on fire,' said Halee Toler, who was alerted to the fire by a man screaming outside of her house, 'up behind the house on the side of the house, everything was exploding.' Toler says she had just lit a candle inside her home on Couper Road when she started smelling smoke. She had assumed it was from the candle but had no idea her street was burning around her. It wasn't until she went outside that she says she had to decide whether to protect herself or her home. 'It felt like a warzone, almost, like there's propane tanks exploding everywhere, there's bullets popping everywhere,' Toler said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department says the call about the fire first came through at around 2:53 PM. By the time they got there, firefighters say the street looked pitch black in the middle of the afternoon. 'This was its own monster. This was almost incomparable to what we've recently experienced,' said Andrew Altman, who helps run the volunteer fire department. Altman says even with the 80 first responders who worked to put the fire out, it was one of the worst he has ever fought. He says no fire in the area has ever burned through so much property. 'It was extremely difficult to breathe, it was difficult to see, we could barely see where the driveways are,' Altman said. The man who started the fire hasn't been named. It's unclear whether he will be facing charges. Some neighbors on the street have started a fundraiser asking for help in their family's recovery after losing their home. If you would like to donate, you can do so here. Read: Police: Glynn County man undresses in front of minors, gets arrested Read: Brunswick now the top port in the nation for automobiles, heavy equipment [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
