Wind, Dry Conditions a Factor in Grass, Woods Fires

The grass and woods fire along Interstate 75 is a fluid situation, about as fluid as the water firefighters used to douse the blazes in three separate responses to the area.

High winds and dry conditions at least contributed to the Monday fires, which also included a controlled burn that threatened a structure around 5 p.m.

Several blazes along Interstate 75 slowed traffic around noon Monday. Firefighters doused the areas on the shoulder between exits 288 and 290 northbound.

Firefighters around 3:30 p.m. Monday were called to a rekindled fire around mile marker 289 and according to police scanner traffic, about 50 acres was burning. Georgia Forestry crews were called in to plow fire breaks around nearby property, which had been clear cut and contained timber lying on the ground.

Around 8 p.m., firefighters were again called to exit 288 on the northbound side, where a state trooper reported the woods were on fire. Fire officials said around 7 p.m. they do not know how the blazes originated.

A 911 caller around 9:30 p.m. reported the fire could be seen from Center Road. Crews were sent to check the road while others again responded to mile marker 289 on Interstate 75 northbound, but were unable to locate flames or smouldering.

WBHF reports more than 50 acres also burned Monday near Kingston.