Breaking: Local firefighters urge vigilance with outdoor burning as brush fires keep them busy

High Fire Danger this afternoon into this evening

Photo courtesy of Walton County Fire Rescue

WALTON COUNTY, GA (Nov. 17, 2025) – Walton County and Monroe firefighters are already contending with the second brush fire in the area today as the National Weather Service has warned that extreme conditions are ripe for just this to happen.

Walton County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Craig League reported late this morning that fire crews were on the scene of a brush fire near Sardis Church Road in Walton County. The fire was contained, but it required one lane of Hihgway 78 westbound to be shut down for a while for firefighters to extinguish hotspots.

Monroe Fire Chief Andrew Dykes reports that crews from Monroe Fire Department are now on the scene of a brush fire on Green Street in the City of Monroe.

League shared the following PSA for residents to be aware of and take into account current conditions.

“North & Central Georgia are basically a tinderbox today. According to the National Weather Service, our relative humidity is dropping as low as 15% (aka “your skin feels like sandpaper”), winds may pick up, and fuels are bone dry. Translation: HIGH FIRE DANGER this afternoon into the evening. Walton County already had several small brush fires over the weekend.

Safety recommendations:

• Outdoor debris burns? Bad idea.

• Fire pits? Save it for a rainy day.

• Charcoal Grills? Unless you want to audition for “How to Lose Your Backyard in 10 Seconds.” H

elp keep Walton County safe, be mindful of any outdoor burning.”