A dense layer of smoke rolled in over Rabun, Habersham and North Hall counties Sunday, forcing drivers to slow down and turn on headlights.

The source could be a North Carolina fire, as “we have nothing locally going on,” Habersham Fire Chief Jeff Cain said.

He doesn’t have any concerns about local impacts, at this point.

“It’s just very taxing on our 911 operator, having to field so many extra smoke calls,” Cain said.

The chief said he was making calls to try to “find out more info … just so I have (an) answer for the calls I’m getting.”

Media reports indicate firefighters are battling wildfires in Western North Carolina and that officials are otherwise concerned about fire hazards caused by a lingering Southeast drought.

The Hall County area is in extreme drought, according to the National Drought Monitor.