The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has begun several prescribed burns across north Georgia, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), including one in Habersham County.
“We estimate this work to continue through May as weather conditions allow,” the agency said in a news release Tuesday. “We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.”
Here is the schedule to date which the forest service provided:
Oconee Ranger District
• Compartment 127 includes 1,552 acres located in Jones County, 10-miles north of Gray, Ga.
• Compartment 158 includes 434 acres located in Putnam County, 6-miles west of Eatonton, Ga.
• Smoke may be visible near US Highway 129.
• Map: https://arcg.is/1uyO4P8
Chattooga River Ranger District
• Tugalo Village includes 741 acres located 1-mile south of Tallulah Falls State Park in Habersham County.
• Map: https://arcg.is/118r583
Conasauga Ranger District
• Keown Falls includes 670 acres located in Walker County, approximately 4-miles south of Villanow, Ga.
• Map: https://arcg.is/1OCj8q1
“These low-intensity, planned fires will reduce hazardous fuel buildup, lower the risk and consequences of future wildfires, and help maintain healthy, fire-adapted conditions on the landscape,” the release further stated. “During operations, fire crews and equipment will be present in the area. Smoke may be visible at times. Visitors are encouraged to use caution near the burn perimeter.”
You can track prescribed fire work across the Southern Region using the Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker: https://arcg.is/nmXrr2
More information about prescribed fire on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/alerts/chattahoochee-oconee-national-forest-begin-prescribed-fires
Interactive maps of planned and completed burns for 2026 are on the Forest Service Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker. More information and burn unit locations are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/alerts.
“Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
“Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
“We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
“Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website and on Facebook. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
“If you have a specific question about a planned prescribed fire in your area, contact the nearest office: Chatsworth 706-695-6736, Blairsville 706-745-6928, Lakemont 706-754-6221, Eatonton 706-485-7110, or Gainesville 770-297-3000.”