According to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest division of the U.S. Forest Service, a fire in the Big Ridge area near Clayton in Rabun County has now consumed more than 300 acres.
Crews have been working to contain the wildfire that has ripped across 200 acres of the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. Firefighters reportedly noticed a fire along the northern end of the west side of Big Ridge on Sunday.
"The fire started on Saturday, March 22. There are currently 96 personnel here on the fire," Sara Michaelson, public information officer for the U.S. Forest Service said. "It's in some steep, rocky and rugged terrain. The terrain is a concern to us in terms of firefighter safety and public safety. It's currently no threat to human life or public property."
The wildfire has led to several closures in the area, including the Sarah's Creek Campground, Sarah's Creek Road and the Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell to Hale Ridge Road. Despite the closures, no evacuations are in place in the area.
Michaelson said the forest service is expecting conditions that could keep the fire active through the week, including high winds and low humidity, with the next chance of rain in the area expected for Sunday.
Michaelson added that the fire is believed to be human-caused, although she said the exact cause is still under investigation.
