Wildfire in Walker County, Chattahoochee National Forest
GAINESVILLE – Firefighters are battling a wildfire in Walker County, Georgia, that began in the early morning hours of Oct. 5. The wildfire, now approximately 70 acres in size, is on the Chattahoochee National Forest and on private land. Due to exceptional drought conditions in northwest Georgia, the fire is expected to increase in size.
The “Strawberry Mountain” wildfire is presenting active fire behavior including head runs up the mountain and backing fire with three foot flame lengths. It began on private land and is currently threatening three primary residences and Colonial pipeline. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
The wildfire is being managed under unified command between the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission. Current resources on site include three dozers, two engines, two Type 3 helicopters, one squad of firefighters and three overhead personnel. An additional squad will be in place Thursday morning.
Current closures associated with the Strawberry Mountain fire include:
· Forest Service Road 227,
· Pinhoti Trail located between East and West Armuchee Roads (known as the Strawberry Mountain section), and
· Dry Creek trailhead parking lot.
These temporary closures are needed to provide for public and firefighter safety.
For more information and updates, download the official free mobile app for your smartphone or tablet, or visit us on the web at www. fs. usda. gov/ conf. You can also get the latest forest news by liking us on Facebook and following us on twitter @ ChattOconeeNF.
The ChattahoocheeOconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clearrunning streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.