ROUGH RIDGE FIRE UPDATE - November 10, 10 a.m.

Release Date: 

Contact(s): 470-208-2839


FAST FACTS:  The Rough Ridge Fire is 10,336 acres and 13% contained. 296 personnel are assigned to the fire. Resources include 9 crews, 2 helicopters, 7 engines and 2 dozers.

Location: Cohutta Wilderness Area on the Chattahoochee National Forest

Current Fire Situation: Due to the persistent drought conditions and rugged terrain in the Cohutta Wilderness, fire managers are evaluating firefighting options with an emphasis on firefighter safety. Where possible, strategic firing operations, indirect fireline construction and air support are being used to slow fire progress and contain eventual spread through the wilderness area and National Forest System lands.

Yesterday firefighters took advantage of clear skies, cooler temperatures and higher humidity to conduct strategic firing operations to connect firelines on the southwestern fire perimeter and to mop-up (extinguish or remove burning material along or near the control line, fell snags or move logs so they won't roll downhill) around the Jones Settlement. Crews continue to monitor the perimeter and are poised to address any potential hot spots that might escape containment lines. The western flank continues to spread and is now burning up against the Rice Camp Trail parking area, which intersects with Forest Service (FS) Road 51 at the Cohutta Wilderness boundary. Firefighters on the eastern flank focused yesterday on fireline options. Smoldering fire behavior is expected to continue on the southeast end with active fire behavior on the west flank.

Planned Actions: Crews will continue to mop-up fireline from Jones Settlement to Bee Knob, as well as continue to monitor and mop up along the eastern containment lines. Others will continue to prepare for firing along western containment lines as fire continues to move in that direction. If conditions allow, aerial resources will monitor the northern perimeter and provide support. Crews continue to remove leaf litter along all existing firelines to prevent potential escape.

Fire Weather: A quick warmup is expected today with lower humidities and lighter winds from the north northwest. Poor humidity recovery is expected on the ridges tonight. Another cold front will bring stronger and gusty winds on Friday with low humidities. Mostly sunny skies are expected.

Closures: The entire Cohutta Wilderness, National Forest lands north and west of FS Road 64, and National Forest lands east of FS Road 16 and the Conasauga River are closed. In addition, the following areas are closed:

  • FS Road 68 from Watson Gap to Potatopatch (entire length).
  • FS Road 68 from Holly Creek Gap to Lake Conasauga.
  • FS Road 49 from Lake Conasauga to Grassy Mountain Tower.
  • FS Road 17 from the intersection with FS road 68 north to Alaculsy Valley.
  • FS Road 16 between the Conasauga River and Jacks River.
  • FS Road 51 from the intersection of Cottonwood Patch to the wilderness boundary.
  • FS Road 630 west of Hickey Gap at Lackey Knob and Halbrannon.
  • Jack’s River Fields, Cottonwood Patch, Lake Conasauga (and the day-use area) and Overflow Campgrounds.

Hunters preparing for the big game hunt season should remain aware of closure information. Please respect all closures and monitor changes in the coming days. Closures are in place for public and firefighter safety.

Due to extreme fire danger and the current drought situation, a total fire ban is in place on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. This means building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire (including charcoal based fire whether contained in a grill or not) is prohibited. Commercially available fuel stoves (camp stoves) are allowed. In addition, Fannin, Gilmer and Murray Counties have issued a ban on all outdoor burning until further notice. No open burning of any type is permitted, including campfires and fire pits.

Air Quality: Smoke will continue to impact areas southeast of the Cohutta Wilderness today. However, fires throughout northern Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina all have the potential to impair air quality. Conditions may change quickly, based on weather, wind direction and fire activity. Sensitive groups including individuals with asthma, lung or heart disease, children, older adults and pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. If you feel like you are having health effects from smoke, see your doctor or health professional as needed. Use caution when driving in or around smoky areas.

Fire Information: For more information about the Rough Ridge Fire, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5078 or call 470-208-2839. Information also is available on the Chattahoochee-Oconee website at www.fs.usda.gov/conf, as well as Facebook and Twitter @ChattOconeeNF.

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For more updates and to learn more about Georgia's national forests, 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 or downloading the forest’s mobile app at http://tinyurl.com/CONFmobileapp.

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