Wildfire Spreads as County Calls for Burn Ban Support

The Wildfire located in the Three Forks Area of the Cohutta Wilderness Area is continuing to spread over 10,336 acres as of 10:00am this morning.

Gilmer County Public Safety Directory and Fire Chief Tony Pritchett has told FYN that Gilmer will become increasingly involved in supporting the fight against the wildfire as they are stepping up their aid and numbers.

Most of the Gilmer County Residents have noticed the heavy smoke lingering in the area of Gilmer County, Fannin County, and further north. With many still asking how big the scale is, the 10,000 acre fire is only 13% contained. However, Director Pritchett is assuring the public that they are keeping a very close eye on the fire and will have plenty of warning to evacuate any areas in danger before the fire can reach them.

This is only a small part of the greater problem as fires are continuing to spread over North Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and even into North Carolina. Gilmer is joining a much larger effort headed by the U.S. Forestry Service and including the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Georgia Emergency Management Agency in our area. “Our primary focus now is to support the U.S. Forestry Service,” says Pritchett as he explained Gilmer’s plans moving forward.

Gilmer Fire would take over in local areas should any homes or residences become endangered, though currently there is not an immidiate threat. That does not stop citizens concerns as gusty winds are expected over the area of North Georgia throughout our weekend.

Director Pritchett has already issued a Burn Ban for Gilmer County. In fact, the County Commissioners are also set to approve official support at their scheduled meeting tonight, November 10. This comes as our area is currently experiencing a dryness we not at all used to experiencing, according to Pritchett, and as such it makes anything a possibility.

Pritchett stated he had been trying to hold of on the Ban as he understands backyard fires and firepits are rather common in the area, but with conditions as they are, “I would be remiss if I waited longer.”

Pritchett explained why he couldn’t wait any longer saying it has become more about our citizens and their safety. As this wildfire rages and the smoke fills our area, it becomes much harder to notice and respond to fires in our area. Thus, the greatest help Gilmer citizens can do for the Fire and Rescue services is to heed the Burn Ban, take it seriously and support the ban with your neighbors. Citizens should also be removing leaves and burnable materials from around their houses should a local fire outbreak in these conditions as well.

Additionally, the heavy smoke from the fires have caused health concerns as far spread as Kentucky. Locally, authorities are suggesting people avoid the smoke if possible, especially those you already have health concerns or respiratory issues.