Honey Prairie Fire Complex: 290,051 acres, 70% contained
Sweat Farm Again Fire: 19,169 acres, 75% contained
Racepond Fire: 20,934 acres, 75% contained
Early yesterday morning, an infrared camera was flown via aircraft over the Honey Prairie Fire. The camera flight confirmed what planners had suspected; the smoke visible over the past few days is a result of active fire burning 15 miles northeast of Fargo all within the containment lines. The fire consumed an additional 1,358 acres. Initially, smoke drifted to the northwest affecting Homerville, Argyle and Valdosta. By late evening, wind shifts pushed smoke the opposite direction toward Folkston. The fire will remain active until the area receives rainfall. The fire weather forecast for today calls for a 20 percent chance of precipitation in the fire area with showers becoming more likely through Saturday.
Racepond and Sweat Farm Again Fires had no reburns on Monday. This decrease in fire activity is due to an unexpected increase in humidity, light winds and good recovery during the overnight hours on Sunday. Firefighters continue to monitor fire activity by patrolling and mopping up along the firelines.
Smoke from the Honey Prairie Fire will affect areas generally near or west of a line from Jesup and Baxley to Waycross and Homerville. Those with respiratory conditions and those sensitive to the smoke including the elderly, young children, and pets should remain indoors as much as possible. Visibilities of three miles or less are expected at times, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Fire vehicles may be encountered on all roads surrounding the refuge and fire areas. Firefighters are asking the public to use caution near fire areas and to avoid fire areas when possible.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge remains closed at this time.
The Georgia Fire Information Center will be open from 8 a.m. – 7 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].
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 Cities of Folkston and Homerville.
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.
07-05-11
12:30 hrs