Brush fire erupts in Gilmer threatening at least one home

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Smoke is billowing into the sky above Gilmer County’s mountains as Fire and Rescue are rushing to the scene today. Fighting the fire right now, Gilmer has six response units on scene when Gilmer Public Safety’s Information Officer Al Cash spoke to FYN.

These six units are the core of Gilmer’s response right now, however, Cash confirmed that volunteers are also helping on scene and that Pickens County is also responding with units. Cash did not say how many units Pickens is sending as he noted they are still in the early stages of fighting the blaze

Citizens in town are pointing towards Talona Mountain as response against the brush fire is already underway. Currently Fire Rescue is sending up drones and working towards gaining more information on the fire in terms of size and intensity.

Cash did confirm that at least one house is in serious danger and authorities are working to contain the blaze as fast as possible.

Gilmer’s Public Safety put up a warning yesterday on Social Media about the potential danger for such a blaze due to conditions. A special weather statement noted low relative humidities in North and Central Georgia. The statement posted said, “Humidities of 25 percent or less can be expected for 4 or more hours this afternoon into the evening.” Though that statement spoke only to yesterdays conditions, the current fire broke out earlier today.

So early into the fight against the fire, no information will be available as to a specific cause or whether the current weather conditions contributed to it.

Citizens should avoid the area as emergency response vehicles are continuing to move through the area. Heavy equipment could also be brought in, including bulldozers to help establish a fireline.  Public Safety said they will offer more information once they have ascertained the magnitude of the fire and fully mobilized their resources against it.

FYN will post new stories when updates are available.