Wildfire in Walker County expected to increase in size

Release Date: 

Contact(s): Judy Toppins, 770-297-3061


UPDATE 10/6 8:30am -- Wildfire now approximately 177 acres in size. Firefighters continue to work to contain the fire and secure the area around the threatened residences.

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Firefighters are battling a wildfire in Walker County, Georgia, that began in the early morning hours of October 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 ten-person squad has been ordered and 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 current closures are needed to provide for public and firefighter safety.    

For more information, 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 Chattahoochee-Oconee 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 clear-running 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.