Honey Prairie Fire Complex: 283,673 acres, 60% contained
Sweat Farm Again Fire: 19,169 acres, 69% contained
Racepond Fire: 20,934 acres, 67% contained
The Satilla Summer Fires received very little rain Monday. Firefighters continue to mop up and improve fireline. Monday afternoon tractor plows supported Ware County Fire and Rescue initial attack on the Windmill Fire, a 15-acre reburn just west of the Sweat Farm Again which was contained at approximately 4:30 PM. Firefighters will continue mopping up and improving firelines.
A bomb squad from Fort Stewart, the 756th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company, destroyed a large amount of old dynamite discovered outside a building at Okefenokee Swamp Park. Structure protection operations are expected to resume today at the Swamp Park.
Monday’s fire activity was quiet on the Honey Prairie Fire with widespread rainfall over much of the southern portion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Rain received over the past few days has served to slow fire activity in some areas.
“Now is not the time for complacency. This fire is not out,” said Honey Prairie Complex Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry. “We’re taking every advantage of every opportunity the weather gives us to gain the upper hand. Right now, I’m feeling a bit more optimistic than I was a few days ago, but we know how quickly things can change in the swamp.”
Crews did assist with two new fire starts on private lands near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and firefighters were able to conduct a strategic firing operation in the northwest portion of the refuge. This operation will continue over the next few days as conditions allow.
Fire crews from over 47 states are assisting with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge fire suppression effort.
Cooperators: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; Georgia Forestry Commission; Florida Division of Forestry; U.S. Forest Service; Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners (GOAL); Georgia Emergency Management Agency; Rayonier; Superior Pine; Langdale; GDOT; GSP; FLDOT; Georgia DNR; Georgia Aviation Authority; Georgia National Guard; Georgia DOC; County Fire Departments; Toledo Manufacturing Company; Charlton, Ware and Clinch Counties; and the City of Folkston.
Closures: All entrances into Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are closed. All visitor activities are suspended until the threat of fire is over. For status updates on visitor activities contact: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 912-496-7366; Okefenokee Swamp Park, 912-283-0583; or the Stephen C. Foster State Park, 912-637-5274.
The Georgia Fire Information Center will be open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily to help assist the public and media with up to date information on all fires across Southeast Georgia and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Please contact us at 912-496-2566 or [email protected].
06-28-11
21:00 hrs