Latest news with #GeorgiaForestryCommission
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Georgia's national forests enforce campfire ban amid rising wildfire threats
The Brief A sweeping ban on campfires has been issued across Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest due to high fire danger from dry, windy conditions. The U.S. Forest Service has implemented Stage II fire restrictions, prohibiting all campfires, including charcoal fires and open flames, in response to increased wildfire activity. Georgia has experienced a significant increase in wildfires this year, with the Georgia Forestry Commission responding to 1,644 wildfires that have burned nearly 14,000 acres, surpassing the state's five-year average. ATLANTA - A sweeping ban on campfires has been issued across Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest as firefighters battle an uptick in wildfires fueled by dry, windy conditions across Georgia and the Carolinas. SEE ALSO: Fires rage across Floyd County: Rome Fire Department battles multiple blaze Firefighters battle wildfire in North Georgia amid Red Flag Warning Floyd County wildfires were intentionally set, officials say Big Ridge Fire in Rabun County continues to grow, according to officials Twin wildfires burn in White County amid Red Flag Warning Heightened wildfire risk this week: Georgia officials warn against outdoor burning What we know On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a special weather statement warning of high fire danger across north and central Georgia, including Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. Relative humidity levels are expected to remain below 25% for several hours, with dry fuels and light winds creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread. In response, the U.S. Forest Service announced the Stage II fire restrictions Thursday, prohibiting all campfires, including charcoal fires and open flames, in all four Ranger Districts of the forest. The ban, effective immediately, is a response to weeks of high winds, low humidity, and a growing number of fires across the region. Officials say the fire risk is especially concerning for metro Atlanta residents who are planning spring trips to North Georgia forests or who live near wooded areas. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest spans more than 860,000 acres and is a popular weekend destination for campers and hikers. In Rabun and White counties, firefighters continue working to suppress the Big Ridge Fire, while, in Floyd County, authorities are investigating a series of suspicious wildfires believed to have been intentionally set. The Carolinas are also under pressure due to the Table Rock Complex Fire burning near the North Carolina-South Carolina border, which has prompted statewide burn bans in both states. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg extended an increased fire danger alert through Thursday evening, citing relative humidity as low as 15% and multiple active wildfires. What they're saying "Most people don't realize how frequent wildfires are in the South," said Judy Toppins, Forest Supervisor for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. "Since the beginning of the month, multiple fires have ignited on this national forest, along with large fires spreading on private and public lands in neighboring states." "Even small fires can quickly spread out of control, especially when conditions are this dry," said Mike Davis, fire management officer for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. "We urge residents to clear leaves and debris at least 30 feet away from buildings and to avoid any outdoor burning until conditions improve." Dig deeper Wildfires have already taken a toll in Georgia this year. Since January 1, the Georgia Forestry Commission has responded to 1,644 wildfires that scorched nearly 14,000 acres, destroying 10 homes and 35 outbuildings. That's 20% more fires and 50% more acreage burned than the state's five-year average. What you can do In all affected areas, residents are urged to take simple precautions: avoid outdoor flames, properly extinguish cigarettes, and keep vehicles on designated roads to avoid accidental sparks. For those who spot suspicious activity involving fire, officials urge calls to the Georgia Forestry Commission Arson Hotline at 1-800-428-7337. More details on the fire ban can be found at and information on protecting homes from wildfire threats is available at and the Georgia Forestry Commission's Firewise USA program. The Source Details in this article were provided by the Georgia Forestry Commission, the United States Forest Service for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the National Weather Service, and local fire officials. The FOX 5 Storm Team forecast and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting were also used.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heightened wildfire risk this week: Georgia officials warn against outdoor burning
The Brief Georgia officials have suspended burn permits in several counties due to high fire danger, urging residents to avoid outdoor burning as dry conditions and low humidity persist. Atlanta has experienced below-average rainfall, contributing to drought conditions, with 23% of Georgia under drought and 35% classified as abnormally dry. Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines to prevent wildfires, including avoiding outdoor burning, using equipment cautiously, and maintaining defensible space around properties. ATLANTA - Georgia officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor burning this week as dry conditions and low humidity continue to pose a significant wildfire threat across much of the state. Despite a brief line of showers and storms early Monday, forecasters say that weather conditions will become increasingly favorable for fires, particularly in north and central Georgia. What we know The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests reported "high fire danger" Monday, citing dry vegetation and declining humidity. The Georgia Forestry Commission has suspended burn permits in several counties, citing "dangerous conditions." The FOX 5 Storm Team says fire danger is expected to increase from Tuesday through Saturday as humidity levels fall and breezy conditions return. What we don't know It is not immediately clear how long the dry conditions will continue. Dig deeper As of March 24, Atlanta has experienced below-average rainfall over the past month, contributing to ongoing drought conditions in the region. The National Weather Service's Rainfall Scorecard indicates that the area has received less precipitation than typical for this period. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 23% of Georgia is currently under drought conditions, with an additional 35% classified as abnormally dry. Given the current rainfall deficit and elevated fire danger, officials continue to advise residents to exercise caution with outdoor burning and to stay informed about local restrictions. What you can do Over the weekend, a fast-moving fire tore through Floyd County. Residents in western North Carolina and South Carolina are concerned about multiple forest fires believed to be sparked by careless hikers. With fire danger elevated across much of Georgia, officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to prevent wildfires and protect their communities. As dry weather and low humidity persist, even small sparks can quickly escalate into dangerous wildfires. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of following safety guidelines, especially in areas currently under burn bans or permit suspensions. Among the most critical recommendations is to avoid all outdoor burning, including the burning of leaves, brush, and household waste—even if such activity is typically permitted. Local burn bans must be respected, officials say, to prevent avoidable blazes. Equipment usage is another common source of accidental fires. Residents are asked to avoid using tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws on dry grass and to keep vehicles off grassy or brush-covered areas where hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation. Improperly discarded cigarettes also pose a major threat. Fire officials urge smokers to never toss cigarette butts on the ground or out of car windows, and instead use sturdy, deep ashtrays, even when outdoors. Campfires should be avoided altogether during red flag warnings. If a fire is permitted, it must be constantly attended and fully extinguished using both water and dirt until cold to the touch. Outdoor cooking also requires caution. Residents should keep grills away from dry grass, decks, or low-hanging branches, and always have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby when grilling. Homeowners are encouraged to create defensible space around their property by clearing dry leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris—especially near homes. Trimming tree branches away from rooftops and maintaining well-watered, mowed lawns can also help reduce the risk of a fire spreading. Finally, officials stress the importance of community awareness. If you see smoke or an unattended fire, you should call 911 immediately. Early detection, they say, is key to keeping a small spark from turning into a major wildfire. With conditions remaining dry and windy across much of the region, fire officials say it will take cooperation at every level—from homeowners to hikers—to keep Georgia safe. What they're saying "Other than the extremely high pollen counts, we'll see a clearing trend through tonight and into Tuesday morning starting today, fairly seasonal," said FOX 5 chief meteorologist David Chandley. "We'll be breezy at times, looking for a high stretching into the mid to upper 70s. Across the region, we're going to keep it in the 70s all week long." Chandley added that conditions will remain mostly dry: "A little breezy also on Wednesday, a little warmer for your Friday into Saturday." Timeline Metro Atlanta: • Tuesday: Sunny, high near 77°F. Winds will be up to 15 mph, gusting to 20 mph. • Wednesday: Sunny, high near 71°F. Gusts up to 25 mph. • Thursday-Friday: Will be sunny to mostly sunny, with highs in the 70s. • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers by the afternoon. • Sunday-Monday: The chance of thunderstorms will increase, with rain chances reaching up to 50% by Sunday night. North Georgia: • Tuesday: Sunny, high near 70°F. Winds gusting up to 25 mph.• Wednesday: Cooler and breezy, high near 62°F. • Thursday-Friday: Warming trend, highs mid-60s to mid-70s. • Saturday-Sunday: Partly sunny to mostly cloudy, with rain chances increasing through the weekend. What's next The next significant chance of rainfall is expected Sunday night into Monday, when scattered thunderstorms may bring some relief to the dry conditions. Until then, officials strongly discourage any outdoor burning. Fire conditions are likely to remain elevated throughout the week as vegetation remains dry and winds increase across the region. The Source This article is based on original forecasting by the FOX 5 Storm Team. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
When is a good time to replace trees and shrubs lost in Hurricane Helene?
Hurricane Helene uprooted thousands of trees, causing extreme canopy loss in Augusta after making landfall on Sept. 27. While March is a great time to replant, officials are still grappling with clean up. 'Our initial focus was on assessing the damage to each county park and greenspace,' Cassidy Harris, a spokesperson for Columbia County, told The Augusta Chronicle in an email. 'The first priority was removing downed trees to ensure the safety and accessibility of our parks for residents. Continuing cleanup and restoring the parks remains a top priority." Once more clean up takes place, the county will reassess priorities, said Harris. "At this stage, we have not yet identified specific trees for replacement, nor have we allocated funding for replanting," she noted. Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said in his experience it's best to get everything cleaned up before moving on to replanting trees. 'I'm sure a lot of people are being proactive and planting on their own,' said Hawkins. 'We've definitely been in close talks with Augusta-Richmond County. We assisted them with the data collection of the tree damage right after the storm. We've been providing general and risk tree assessments as well as long-term recovery. We are there for the city whenever they are ready to have that conversation.' The Georgia Forestry Commission assessed more than 2,000 trees in public right of ways and parks that were damaged. More than 1,300 trees were labeled for removal in Augusta. Both Augusta-Richmond County and Columbia County remain dedicated to clean up. 'As we continue our recovery efforts, our government remains committed to assessing the condition of our parks and green spaces to determine the best path forward,' city officials told The Augusta Chronicle in an email. 'Currently, we are still in the debris cleanup phase for our recreation areas, which is a necessary step before any replanting efforts can begin.' City officials added, 'In the coming months, we anticipate consulting with key partners and environmental experts to develop a thoughtful and strategic approach to tree restoration. While it is difficult to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we expect that within the next six months, we will have a clearer plan for replanting based on recommendations from these consultations.' Hearth health: A first: Augusta Univ. researcher lands grant to study link between cancer, cardiovascular disease For homeowners who are over the clean up hump and ready to replant, Constance Hughes, horticulturist at Grass Roots Garden Center, said now is a good time. 'You want to get your trees and plants in before the heat comes,' said Hughes. 'You want your plants to be a little bit established before we get hit with any humidity. They're already going to be stressed a little getting planted. You want to ease that stress on them as much as possible.' Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to clean the air. Spending time in nature around trees can reduce stress levels. Trees filter pollutants from the air, improving respiratory health. Trees slow down rainwater runoff, preventing soil erosion and flooding. Trees enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your property. Grass Roots Garden Center is located in Graniteville, South Carolina, and carries more than 100 varieties of trees. 'People need to know how tall of a tree they want and if they have the space for that size tree,' said Hughes. 'Some people lost a lot of shade after Helene.' For homeowners looking for a sturdier variety to possibly withstand the next hurricane, Hughes said, 'Maples and oaks are considered a sturdier type of tree. I mean, Helene had 100 mile an hour winds, there's not much that will withstand that.' This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners. Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@ or on X: @EricaVanBuren32. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: City officials remain in clean up mode, not ready to replant lost trees
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
GA man accused of intentionally setting fire that spread to 108 acres
A Talbot County man is facing felony arson charges after authorities have accused him of intentionally setting a 108-acre wildfire. The Georgia Forestry Commission and the Talbot County Sheriff's Office arrested William Shane Harvey, 52, of Box Springs, Georgia on Sunday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers took him into custody Harvey near the location of the wildfire. No injuries were reported, but the fire destroyed two buildings, two homes were damaged, and 11 victims reported property damage. If convicted of arson, Harvey could face a fine of up to $50,000 or one to 20 years in prison. The GFC says arson is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Georgia. The GFC maintains an arson hotline at 800-GA-TREES. You can also visit [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Man killed, shot in the head at DeKalb County gas station Suspect standing trial 35 years after brother and sister killed in DeKalb County Security officer shot trying to stop car break-ins, police searching for gunman [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire scorches acres of woods along I-20 in Douglasville
A backyard fire quickly grew out of control on Tuesday afternoon, igniting four to six acres of woods near I-20 and Bright Star Road in Douglasville. 'A debris burn escaped. It moved through the woods very rapidly. These winds right now, we have gusts of 40 to 45 miles an hour. That fire moves extremely fast,' said Georgia Forestry Commission Chief Ranger Max Driver. Channel 2′s Tom Regan was there as dozens of firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which sent plumes of smoke onto I-20 and caused major traffic backups. Fire crews brought in tractors to dig cut lines in the woods to keep the fire from spreading. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'We're throwing dirt on hot spots. The fire department is putting water on anything that is smoldering and smoking,' said Driver. In recent days, a rash of wildfires have broken out across Georgia. Last weekend, embers from a dumpster fire behind a business on Covington Highway in Decatur burned dozens of used cars in a parking lot next door. The fire spread to a storage facility, burning several storage units as well. TRENDING STORIES: DA drops charges against Coweta high school principal arrested for battery Be weather aware: Risk for strong to severe storms tonight, early Wednesday Man meeting Gwinnett County teens with luxury gifts banned from schools 'For the Georgia Forestry Commission, we responded to almost five hundred wildfires with almost seven thousand acres burned,' said Driver. In Talbot County on Tuesday, the forestry commission arrested a man on arson charges. He's accused of setting a fire that burned 108 acres, destroying two outbuildings and damaging two homes. The state urges people not to burn outside during dry, windy conditions, to reduce the risk of wildfires. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
