(GAINESVILLE) — The USDA Forest Service is temporarily banning all campfires across the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The ban is now in effect and will continue through at least Dec. 16. It covers all three Ranger Districts on the Chattahoochee National Forest in North Georgia.
The fire ban prohibits the use of a fire or campfire, including charcoal-based fires or using fireworks. Commercially available fuel stoves are allowed, according to the Forest Service.
The ban was implemented in response to high fire danger resulting from the dry conditions caused by the severe drought and unseasonably warm temperatures in Georgia. The Forest Service ban is supported by several counties in North Georgia who already instituted local fire bans.
According to the Forest Service, most fires are human-caused.
Forest Service Supervisor Judy Toppins said, “Since November first there have been several fires on this national forest, as well as several large fires on adjacent private forests and on national forests in neighboring states.”
Fire management officer for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Mike Davis, stresses the importance of following forest and county burn bans “Leaves and other dead plant debris are easy fuel for wildfires. It’s important that Forest visitors and residents of our neighboring communities take preventative actions now to reduce these hazardous fuels that can easily ignite with just one spark.”
