As Wilkes County firefighters put out a fire that started as a controlled burn off the Sam McGill Parkway, the Georgia Forestry Commission reminds citizens that wildfire season in Georgia has begun and will extend through the end of April or early May depending on weather conditions and rainfall amounts. Fire activity across the state has increased within the past two weeks and citizens are urged to use extreme caution when conducting outdoor burning. "Low relative humidity and brisk winds are typical during this time of year and greatly influence fire behavior and the number of wildfires," said Keith Murphy, chief ranger. The burning of yard debris is the number one cause of wildfires in Georgia, he said. "Before initiating any type of outdoor burning, citizens should check with the Wilkes/Lincoln/Taliaferro Unit at (706) 678-2910 to determine if weather conditions allow for a safe burn and to obtain a burning permit. After obtaining a permit to burn, citizens should keep water easily accessible and never leave the fire unattended.