Prescribed burn set today in Rabun County

CLAYTON — On Thursday, April 5, the U.S. Forest Service, Chattooga River Ranger District, will be conducting a prescribed fire in Rabun County. 

The burn unit will be in the area south of Rabun Bald, along the ridge between Sarah’s Creek and Walnut Fork according to Acting District Fire Management Officer Nicholas Peters. 

The 1,087-acre burn is expected to begin late morning and last until mid-afternoon. 

The purpose of this area being burned is to help reduce hazardous wildland fuels buildup, to help promote forest health and to create and improve wildlife habitat, according to the USFS. 

This burn will require closing the Rabun Bald Trail and the Bartram Trail from Hail Ridge Road to Salt Rock Gap, from April 5-9 for public safety. 

Based on the current weather forecast, the smoke is projected to head to the north and northeast of the burn unit and may be visible from the U.S. 441 corridor north of Clayton, Sky Valley and Scaly Mountain, N.C. However, if the weather conditions on site change or become unfavorable, the controlled burn is subject to being canceled. 

All motorists are urged to use caution in areas where smoke may be visible. 

The prescribed burn is being done in cooperation with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), which provides rural fire department assistance and assists landowners and communities with forest management.