Firefighters battle Long Mountain Fire

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –Yesterday’s beautiful spring weather brought warm temperatures, low humidity and a gentle breeze which the National Weather Service labeled a HIGH FIRE DANGER DAY.

At 5:13PM, White County received a reported woods fire on Long Mountain Trail which turns off Jeb Drive off Hwy 115 W.  The fire was located on the NW side of Long Mountain, and smoke was visible from the Appalachian Parkway by units responding to the scene.

White County Stations 4, 5, personnel from Station 2 and Mutual Aid from Cleveland Fire was dispatched to 640 Long Mountain Trail. Units arrived on scene and found approximately a 2-acre fire on the side of Long Mountain. The Georgia Forestry was requested while local fire crews protected residential structures and assisted forestry with hand line operations. A Georgia Forestry Dozer cut a line along the top of the fire with hand lines used on both flanks. Approximately 15 to 20 acres burned, and firefighters remained on scene for approximately 6 hours.

Fire Chief Seth Weaver wants to remind homeowners that they need to mindful of where they dump their ashes when cleaning out their fireplace.  Also, keep your yard clean of leaves and other combustibles around your house.  Even though we have rain, when the humidity is low fire danger goes up.

For more information on making your home safe from wildfires contact the Office of Public Safety or visit our website at www.whitecounty.net

Pictures made possible by White County Batt Chief, Drone Operations.