Forecast
Today50 percent chance of showers after 8 a.m. then partly sunny, high near 89. Friday50 percent chance of showers, high near 88.Saturday40 percent chance of showers, high around 88.Sunday60 percent chance of showers, high near 82.Next weekDry and sunny, highs in the mid-80s.Source: National Weather Service
Despite some scattered showers and storms, forestry officials in Georgia this week urged residents in the northern part of the state to use extreme caution with outdoor fires because of persistent dry conditions and risk of wildfires.
"The weather forecast indicates these dry conditions may persist," Georgia Forestry Commission Chief of Forest Protection Frank Sorrells said. "We're asking everyone to be very careful with any outdoor burning, including campfires, cooking fires and disposal of hot coals or ashes."
Several recent wildfires in North Georgia required extended operations to keep them contained, including in Whitfield and Polk counties, where two fires burned more than 100 acres combined, officials said.
As summer heats up, more people will head outside where wildfire risks are high.
"Safety is our top priority, so we need everyone's assistance in using fire judiciously when it is allowed," Sorrells said.
In the tri-state region, recent showers have helped but haven't eliminated drought conditions in some areas, National Weather Service meteorologist Jessica Winton said Wednesday.
"What we've gotten recently has been very hit-or-miss small showers," she said. "It's not a widespread amount of moisture."
WRCB Chief Meteorologist Paul Barys said three factors that can cause wildfires are a dry atmosphere, wind and lightning.
Winds are not bad in the Chattanooga area this time of year, but the other factors can be worrisome, Barys said.
"Scattered thunderstorms over the next four days will help us out," but the forecast for next week calls for a return to dry conditions, he said.
North Georgia has the most widespread dry conditions in the region, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor and weather officials.
At least 50 Georgia counties north of Atlanta fall in the area identified as suffering from short-term, moderate drought conditions. In Tennessee, more than two dozen counties are experiencing moderate drought, while eight counties in North Alabama also are designated as being in moderate drought.
Forestry officials have responded to numerous fires in Northwest Georgia over the last two weeks. Georgia officials said fires that start in rough and steep terrain can require more equipment and resources.
Sorrells said "escaped fires" are the most frequent wildfire triggers. Improperly extinguished campfires, cigarettes, matches and sparks can ignite fires when conditions are dry and humidity is low.
Escaped fires should be reported immediately to the nearest emergency response agency by calling 911, officials said.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or on Twitter twitter.com/BenBenton or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.