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GFC firefighters on heightened alert after weekend fires

Wildland firefighters at the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) are keeping a very close eye on the weather. Low humidity, combined with gusty winds, made for a busy weekend for firefighters across the state. Just in the past week, the commission reported that nearly 500 fires burned more than 6,000 acres.

“The number one cause of these fires is escaped debris burning,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “Fortunately, our crews have been able to respond aggressively to keep individual fire sizes small. However, we need the public’s vigilance for preventing wildfire in the days ahead.”

Statistics reported by the GFC show the number of wildfires and acreage burned in Georgia has risen over the state’s five-year average. Recent fires have led to the death of one person, and to a number of losses to structures and vehicles.

Georgia is also “in the red” for March, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Significant wildfire potential has been predicted for this month, indicating a greater than usual likelihood that significant wildfires will occur.

“Any spark that takes hold outdoors is capable of igniting a large wildfire,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief Thomas Barrett. “That means one ember from a backyard leaf pile, grill, or campfire can spark a dangerous fire. Also hot machinery on dry grasses or a tossed cigarette. Human involvement is the reason behind these fires and the answer to preventing them as well.”

Real-time fire updates can be viewed here: fiResponse - Public Viewer, which is also linked on GFC’s website, GaTrees.org. 

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