Fire restrictions in place

Because of the "exceptional" drought the northern part of Georgia is presently in, the U.S.D.A. Forest Service in the Blue Ridge Ranger District has issued a wildfire alert. All camp fires on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forest are prohibited, except for areas where a fee is required. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for any individual and $10,000 for any organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Georgia Forestry Commis-sion has also said that they are only issuing permits for small brush piles. Nothing else should be burned. To get a permit to burn brush, call 706- 896-2499.