Highway 136 wildfire: “100 percent contained, 70 percent controlled”
Authorities encouraged at progress of the control of local wildfire
A wildfire that has burned approximately 150 acres along the Gordon/Gilmer County Line is 100 percent contained and 70 percent controlled as of Thursday morning, July 14.
Denise Croker, public information officer and chief ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission, said early Thursday that she is pleased with the progress local agencies have made in the containment of the fire, which was originally reported on Thursday, July 7. “We are in a monitoring stage today,” said Croker. “We have personnel on the ground monitoring the situation and GFC Air Patrol monitoring by helicopter.”
Personnel that remained early Thursday, in addition to GFC, were Gordon County Fire and Rescue and the Murray County Fire Department.
Containment lines were placed around the fire earlier in the week and responders reinforced the lines on Wednesday.
The fire, which is believed to have started by a lightening strike, has burned along a section of Talking Rock Creek, which originally worried authorities due to the many residences in the Talking Rock Creek Community across the creek from the wildfire.
According to Croker, Talking Rock Creek Community is a nationally recognized Firewise Community,
participating in the program that emphasizes community involvement and provides important information for residents to reduce the risk of a wildfire igniting homes.
“We appreciate the TRCC being a nationally recognized Firewise Community,” said Croker. “It provides our responders with a level of comfort knowing the homeowners have taken steps to help prepare their homes to reduce the probability of their homes being burned by a wildfire.”
Crews from many areas have worked throughout the week with the containment and control of the fire, including the GFC, Gordon County Fire and Rescue, Gordon County Emergency Management Agency, Bartow County Fire Department, Murray County Fire Department and Georgia State Patrol.
“We appreciate the support from all of the responders and from the Talking Rock Creek Community for assisting in the control and containment of the Highway 136 wildfire,” said Croker.
Croker had no timeframe for the completion of monitoring the fire, but did say a significant rain event is needed to help completely put the fire out.
Homeowners around the wildfire area are encouraged to maintain awareness of the situation, but the fire is in good control. If anyone sees an additional fire, they are asked to call 9- 1- 1 immediately.
For more information, call 800- GATREES.