Ga. authorities concerned about wildfires

ATLANTA – The Georgia Forestry Commission is gearing up for what officials say could be a “potentially severe wildfire season.”

“The recent lack of rainfall and tropical storm activity in the Atlantic and Gulf do have us on alert,” Alan Dozier, chief of protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said in a news release.

“Now is the time for Georgians to think safety,” Dozier said. “The number one cause of wildfire is backyard burns that get out of control, so it’s critical to get a permit before striking that match.”

Authorities also warn that the La Nina weather pattern may also add to the risk.

“La Nina is one of three winter climate patterns we get here in Georgia,” David Stooksbury, the state climatologist and a professor of engineering at the University of Georgia said in a news release. “It normally produces warm and dry conditions, which we can expect now through mid-April, which is the heart of fire season.”

For more information, visit www.GaTrees.org or call 1-877-OK2-BURN (1-877-652-2876).