The Georgia Forestry Commission reported almost 900 wildfires, about triple the average, in October. Most of those were small and were contained quickly. But hot, dry weather leads fire officials to worry a major fire could break out.
Wendy Burnett, spokesperson for the commission, said the threat of a full-blown forest fire is much higher this year. “That threat is very real, and we are prepared for that,” she said. “We are urging people to be a little proactive and get ready for wildfire season.”
Homeowners can prepare, Burnett said, by removing flammable items, like leaves, pine needs or portable propane tanks from around homes. Tree limbs that hang near homes should be trimmed, and lawns should be close cut with trimmings removed.
As many areas of metro Atlanta are heavily wooded, even urban areas face a threat from a major fire. “It can spread quickly into neighborhoods,” Burnett said.
This year, it appears wildfire season came early. The state sees the bulk of its fires between January and April, but with 878 fires reported last month, far above the average of 296 for October, the danger is now. Other than areas drenched a month ago by Hurricane Matthew, no burn permits are being issued in Georgia. Burn permits are needed for any outdoor fire that is not used for cooking, personal warmth or recreation. About 40 percent of the state, and all of metro Atlanta, is in either extreme or exceptional drought. Many of those same areas are experiencing record high temperatures.
October was the second driest month in Atlanta for the past 20 years with only 0.16 inches of rain. In Athens, it was the driest month over that period with 0.03 inches. Columbus received less than in inch of rain in three of the past four months.
Burnett said if conditions worsen, the state could face a total ban of outdoor fires. For it to improve, a major rain event likely is needed. “We will need several inches of rain,” she said.
