Strawberry Mountain wildfire remains at 477 acres, 70% contained

Release Date: 

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


Firefighters have made good progress on the Strawberry Mountain wildfire in Walker County, Georgia, that began on private land in the early morning hours of October 5.  The wildfire remains at 477 acres, with 225 acres on the Chattahoochee National Forest and 252 acres on adjacent private land.  The wildfire is at 70% containment. 

Today, fire personnel conducted burnout operations behind two cabins and continue to mop up hot spots near containment lines.  Fire continues to back down some of the ridges within the interior of the wildfire perimeter.    

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for wind gusts in the 25-30 mph range and low relative humidity over the weekend, which will elevate wildfire danger across north Georgia.  Fire crews will continue to mop up, patrol, and monitor this wildfire over the weekend. Smoke from this wildfire may continue to be visible at times due to burning stump holes and falling leaf litter that may ignite.

Current closures associated with the Strawberry Mountain fire include:

  • Forest Service Road 227 and
  • Pinhoti Trail located between East and West Armuchee Roads (known as the Strawberry Mountain section).

These current closures are needed to provide for public and firefighter safety.  Several trees fell onto Forest Service Road 227 and fire crews will continue to fell hazard trees along this road and other containment lines through the weekend.

The Dry Creek trailhead parking lot reopened Friday morning.

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 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.