Big Ridge Fire (GACHF)

First Reported: 2025-03-24 13:18:10 UTC on March 24, 2025
Inciweb page: GACHF Big Ridge Fire
Size: 3269 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: 57%
Big Ridge Fire (2025-03-24)
3,269 acre wildfire (57% contained)
Mountain City, Georgia, United States
Nearby Fires:
2025 - Table Rock Complex (2025-03-31)
15,973 acre wildfire (92% contained)
Slater-Marietta, South Carolina, United States
Rattlesnake Branch (2025-03-28)
1,843 acre wildfire (26% contained)
Canton, North Carolina, United States

Wildfire Status:

The Big Ridge Fire, which ignited on March 22, 2025, in the Sarah's Creek area of the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area near Clayton, Georgia, is currently affecting approximately 3,269 acres. As of April 2, the fire is 57% contained, with fire management teams employing indirect tactics due to the steep and rocky terrain. The wildfire is situated in a remote area and does not pose an immediate threat to the public, although it is impacting the Bartram Trail and Sarah’s Creek Campground. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire agencies are actively engaged in managing the situation, with 246 personnel currently working on containment efforts. They are coordinating with local emergency management agencies for structure protection within U.S. Forest Service lands and surrounding communities. Planned actions include mop-up operations around the wildfire perimeter to secure fire lines and prevent further spread. Despite some smoldering activity, significant growth is not expected, and smoke production is projected to decrease in the coming days.

Weather conditions have been variable, with initial warm and dry conditions giving way to increased moisture due to southeast winds. Recent weather patterns have included drizzle, fog, and patchy light rain, helping to mitigate fire intensity. Current temperatures are in the 50s to 60s, with humidity levels nearing 100%. As the week progresses, warmer conditions are anticipated, with highs reaching the lower 80s by Friday and Saturday, potentially increasing fire risks if the moisture levels drop significantly. However, good recovery of humidity is expected overnight, which should aid in fire suppression efforts.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

Date Percent Contained
2025-03-24 0% contained
2025-03-29 0% contained
2025-03-30 8% contained
2025-03-31 20% contained
2025-04-01 39% contained
2025-04-03 57% contained

Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2025-03-24 225 acres 0.4 sq mi 0.9 sq km
2025-03-26 364 acres 0.6 sq mi 1.5 sq km
2025-03-27 812 acres 1.3 sq mi 3.2 sq km
2025-03-28 1936 acres 3.0 sq mi 7.7 sq km
2025-03-29 2390 acres 3.7 sq mi 9.6 sq km
2025-03-30 2709 acres 4.2 sq mi 10.8 sq km
2025-03-31 2964 acres 4.6 sq mi 11.9 sq km
2025-04-01 3345 acres 5.2 sq mi 13.4 sq km
2025-04-03 3269 acres 5.1 sq mi 13.1 sq km