From NewsChannel 9: UPDATE (November 12th, afternoon): Georgia Forestry says the fire is now 99% contained as of Sunday. They say the
From NewsChannel 9: UPDATE (November 12th, afternoon): Georgia Forestry says the fire is now 99% contained as of Sunday.
They say the fire is still listed at 706 acres, and they will continue to patrol as leaf fall could lead to areas reburning.
UPDATE (November 6th, evening): After a more accurate mapping of the area, the Georgia Forestry Commission the correct number of acres burned is 706 acres.
They say as of Monday evening the fire is 50% contained.
UPDATE (November 6th, morning): Investigators now say a wildfire that burned more than 1,400 acres a week ago on Lookout Mountain in Walker County was deliberately set.
Wildfire on Lookout Mountain. Photo courtesy of Justin Wade.
There’s now a reward for anyone who can help investigators bring the person responsible to justice, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
There’s been no measurable rain for over a month, and conditions are critically dry,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Seasonal leaf fall, along with sustained gusty winds, are contributing to high fire risk conditions. We’re recommending any planned outdoor burning be postponed for now.
The Georgia Arson Control Program offers rewards of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist.
Anyone who knows anything about this fire should contact the GFC at 1-800-GA-TREES (478-7337).
UPDATE (November 4th, 4:30 p.m.): The Walker County government will issue a ‘burn ban’ by Executive Order, effective at 5 p.m. today.
The board will seek ratification for the ban at a meeting on Thursday.
UPDATE (November 4th, 3:30 p.m.): Georgia Forestry says the fire is still within the containment lines that were put in place last night.
A Facebook post from the Walker County government says crews will stay on the scene throughout today to monitor the fire and put out hot spots.
Residents can expect to see more smoke in the area today.
The post warns people to avoid accessing forest fire sites by four wheeler or through Tower Road.
UPDATE (November 3rd, 8:30 p.m.) Georgia Forestry says 1,400 acres have burned so far, and the fire is 50% contained as of 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Containment lines have been put in place and crews will return in the morning.
UPDATE (November 3rd): A wildfire in Walker County that damaged a radio tower over a week ago has rekindled Friday, the Georgia Forestry Commission says.
Leaves and drought conditions have caused it the spread 500 acres, Georgia Forestry says.
They say there is no threat to homes at this point.
EARLIER (October 23rd):
Dade County EMA reports on its Twitter page that the fire is still burning, but that it’s fully contained, comprising about 250 acres.
EARLIER: Tower operators on Lookout Mountain are starting their damage assessments on property destroyed during a wildfire Saturday.
Chattanooga radio station J103 FM says its broadcasts are silent after its main tower was damaged.
J103 President, Justin Wade said the station’s engineers are working to assess the damage and make all of the repairs as soon as it is safe to work in the area.
Wade expects to know more on the extent of the damage and interruption in broadcasting Sunday.
The Lookout Mountain Amateur Radio Community also says its systems at their High Point tower site are down until further notice.
Georgia State Patrol (GSP) could not confirm if the fire is contained but says it did make an impact before nightfall.
They say the fire stretched between 15-20 acres upon initial assessment and was located east of Highway 157 off Tower Road.
Wildfire on Lookout Mountain. Photo courtesy of Justin Wade.
Ground units were called just after 1 p.m.
Deputies say the fire did not pose a threat to homes or businesses on Saturday, but that some small structures and utility sheds were under threat.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
