U.S. Forest Service Assistant Fire Management officer Tony Rider said the fire began around 11:15 a.m. in a Wilderness Area on the north side of Richard Russell Scenic Highway near Dukes Creek Falls area.
Rider said a small group firefighters from Clarkesville, Clayton and Blairsville battled the blaze. The fire has been extinguished and mop-up operation is complete.
White County Volunteer fire fighters were dispatched to the area, but John Hermann, fire department spokesman said they were limited on what they could do.
Hermann said, " We left it up to the Forest Service, they have the equipment and expertise in fighting these kind of blazes.".
Richard Russell Highway was closed to traffic for a time while they battled the fire. The cause of the blaze is unknown, and Rider said an investigation is underway.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/1/200719