News Summary
The Rome-Floyd County Fire Department is responding to a rise in wildfire risks due to recent arson cases. With outdoor burning restrictions lifting soon, they emphasize safety guidelines. Fire Chief Thomas Barrett warns that debris burning causes most local wildfires. Residents must follow strict safety measures, like maintaining distance from structures and having suppression tools ready. Recent fires, including an intentional blaze near Highway 411, have raised alarms, with investigations ongoing. The department aims to educate the public on responsible burning as the outdoor burning season begins.
Rome, Georgia – The Rome-Floyd County Fire Department is taking action to address the increased risk of wildfires in the area following recent incidences of arson that have damaged hundreds of acres of land. Firefighters are emphasizing the importance of weather awareness and adherence to safety guidelines as outdoor burning restrictions in North Georgia counties, including Floyd, are set to be lifted on Wednesday, October 1.
In December 2023, firefighters responded to a brush fire off Mt. Alto Road, which highlighted the dangers of outdoor burning. Local authorities stressed that while outdoor burning is permitted from October 1 to April 30, it must be conducted under specific safety precautions to minimize fire hazards. Fire Chief Thomas Barrett noted that debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the area, urging the community to follow established safety rules.
As part of the safety measures, residents are required to maintain spacing distances between fires, woodlands, and structures. Burning is allowed only from sunrise to sunset, and individuals must attend their fires at all times, keeping a close eye on weather conditions. Firefighters also recommend having suppression tools readily available during any burning activities.
Recent incidents have raised concerns about arson within Floyd County. On Tuesday, a wildfire scorched hundreds of acres near Highway 411, prompting the response of over a dozen firefighting units to bring the blaze under control. Evidence indicated that the fire might have been intentionally set, as irregular burn patterns were observed. Meanwhile, a separate fire occurred on Sunday in the Armuchee area, allegedly set by 22-year-old Ainsley Sutton, resulting in the destruction of approximately 200 acres and threatening nearby homes. Sutton reportedly admitted to starting the fire due to personal issues and is believed to be facing mental health challenges.
Although no injuries were reported from these fires, some property damage occurred, including a home suffering roof damage and the destruction of a shed. Firefighters remained vigilant, monitoring vulnerable structures even after the main blaze was extinguished. Investigators are pursuing criminal charges against Sutton related to the Armuchee fire, while they have not linked her to the fires that occurred on Tuesday. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the Tuesday fire to step forward to assist in the investigation.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division enforces a summer burn ban from May 1 to the end of September to control ozone levels, contributing to improved air quality in the fall, according to Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. This ban affected several counties in Northwest Georgia, including Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, Polk, and Walker. However, residents are allowed to burn hand-piled natural yard debris such as leaves and tree limbs without a permit, following legislation enacted in 2021. Importantly, it remains illegal to burn man-made materials, including household garbage, plastics, and lumber at any time.
With the return of the outdoor burning season, the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department is keen to educate the public about safe and responsible burning practices. Video tutorials on burning safety can be found at GaTrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/. Firefighters are hopeful that by raising awareness and enforcing safety precautions, they can substantially reduce the risk of wildfires and protect both the community and natural resources in Floyd County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Northwest Georgia News: Rome-Floyd Fire Department Applications
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Floyd County Wildfires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- 11 Alive: Rome Apartment Fire
- Google News: Rome Georgia Fire Department
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