They came with chainsaws, axes and shovels. They cut rows across steep mountain ridges to contain flames that threatened homes and businesses.
The second punch came from the sky. Rain swept the peaks and valleys, soaking smoldering leaves and dousing small flames that licked at fallen limbs.
On Tuesday, officials said wildfires that have burned for weeks and scorched tens of thousands of acres in North Georgia are fully contained.
The U.S. Forest Service said all roads, trails and areas previously closed due to fires are now reopen to public use, including the Appalachian Trail. Visitors are encouraged to use caution.
“Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and the recent rains, all wildfires on the national forest are contained and closed areas are now open for public use and enjoyment,” said Chattahoochee National Forest Supervisor Betty Jewett.
The precipitation began with a light rainfall just before Thanksgiving. More came in early December.
On Dec. 6, the U.S. Forest Service hosted its final fire-information meeting for Clayton-area residents at the Rabun County Courthouse. Their announcement: The threat had passed.
“We’re so grateful to have this rain,” said Sally Gentry, a spokeswoman for the service.
Wildfires have burned an estimated 42,000 acres of the national forest since Oct. 1. Firefighters poured in from the West Coast to help battle the stubborn fires. Metro Atlanta found itself covered in a gray haze for days as smoke from North Georgia drifted South.
The Rough Ridge Fire, burning in the Cohutta Wilderness area of northwest Georgia, ignited from a lightning strike. The Rock Mountain Fire, which prompted evacuations in Rabun and Towns counties, is believed to be the work of an arsonist. That person remains at large. Fire officials say they are still looking for a man driving a blue SUV, seen at the site where a series of small fires turned into a large one.
The rain hardly means we are out of a drought, either. The National Weather Service estimated that Georgia’s rainfall total for this time of year is about nine inches lower than normal. Nine inches of rain is enough to slosh over your ankle boots.
If we have a wet winter, said meteorologist Carly Kovacik, “we’d be on the road to recovery.”
Those heading back into the forest should exercise caution, officials said.
Trees weakened by the fire could fall along trails. Heavy rains may cause flash flooding, particularly along river corridors within wilderness areas.
