A large forest fire that started late Saturday night northeast of Unicoi State Park in White County is now 100 percent contained.
According to an update from the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the wildfire is still impacting 184 acres. However, fire crews were able to keep the fire within controlled lines Monday, and strengthened and improved those lines.
"It is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Command Team with the Georgia Forestry Commission and U.S. Forest Service in unified command," a statement received at 10:13 a.m. said.
Crews will continue to monitor and stop any heat sources that could threaten the lines. Additional efforts will include installing water bars and spreading native seed on fire lines to reduce potential erosion.
Burning conditions are less severe due to predictions of rain later in the week.
Smith Creek Trail remains closed to the public. There are no road closures or evacuation warnings in place. Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is open at this time.
Previous update posted on Feb. 14, 2022:
As a large forest fire continues to burn northeast of White County's Unicoi State Park, containment efforts seem to be going well.
A spokesman for Unicoi Fire said in a Monday evening update that officials are optimistic about the ongoing efforts being carried out by fire personnel.
"As of this morning, the fire was 50% contained, at 184 acres, and today there was no growth on the fire, and it is doing well," he said.
After the fire broke out on Sunday, crews worked overnight Sunday and into Monday morning and made good progress on containment lines. On Monday the focus shifted to improving and holding those lines, and Monday evening's update revealed those efforts were successful.
"Things are looking good on the fire. The containment should go up overnight," the spokesman said. "There's going to be lower winds and higher humidity tomorrow, so there will be less burning conditions. We're feeling pretty good about it right now."
