30 Fires Still Burning In N. GA w. 48,000 Acres Burned; Asheville Facing Driest Fall On Record

[hatrack]

RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Fires that have consumed more than 48,000 acres of north Georgia forest land continue to burn, as forecasters predict the best chance of rain in weeks in the coming days.

Fire officials say 33 large fires are currently burning in the Southeast. Wildfires have burned an estimated 48,670 acres in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest over the last month.

A total fire ban remains in place.

More than 6,000 firefighters from Alaska to Maine have joined forces with local, state and federal agencies to battle the blazes burning across six southeastern states.

EDIT

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/more-than-30-fires-still-burning-in-north-georgia/356131649

Asheville will likely break a record Sunday, as if it doesn't rain, Sunday will mark our 36th consecutive day without measurable rainfall.

Currently, News 13 meteorologist Rob Bradley says there's a chance of a shower Monday evening, and a proper rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. But with no rain in the forecast Saturday or Sunday, the Asheville area is poised to break the record for the most consecutive days without measurable rainfall (more than a trace).

As wildfires and brush fires burn, a parched and thirsty western North Carolina waits and hopes for a break in a long and brutal fall drought.

EDIT

http://wlos.com/news/local/asheville-ready-to-break-all-time-record-for-no-rain

[Siwsan]

1. I'm flying to Asheville, via Atlanta, next month

I am not looking forward to what I will be seeing through the plane window, or the air quality.

[GWC58]

2. Next month

my wife, son and myself will be taking our 11 hour drive to her fathers house in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Hopefully, by the time we head there just after Christmas Day, they'll have had some much needed rain. I'm not looking forward to that long ride. Thankfully my wife does the driving! 😁

[Siwsan]

3. We were just talking about going to Hendersonville.

We always go into Asheville (my niece and nephew live in Mills River) so I suggested we go someplace I haven't seen, yet. They want me to move to be closer to them so it's time to explore the area.

We usually drive (10 hours for us) but I found some affordable airfares so I leave home at 6 am, on New Year's Eve and should be landing in Asheville by 10. This visit is for my Grandniece's first birthday and I couldn't be more excited.

[GWC58]

4. It's just too expensive for the three

of us to fly, round-trip. I know I'll be talking no politics while there!

[Siwsan]

5. I was shocked to stumble upon a really good fare

Earlier, just for me, the fares were around $600. My Grandniece's birthday is New Year's Day, so I'm flying in on New Year's Eve morning and her Grandpa gets in on New Year's Day, at about the same good price. Guess those aren't popular flying days.

No doubt we will be talking politics and wild fires!