News Release
Unified Command-Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Georgia Forestry Commission
Contact: Art Webster (912) 496-7366 x 233
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2011
Honey Prairie Fire Incident Commander Transition August 26, 2011 Honey Prairie Fire personnel said farewell to Incident Commander(IC), Steve Gray and welcomed aboard the new Incident Commander(IC), Trent Ingram on Thursday morning, 8/25/11.This is a normal operational function in which fire personnel currently working the incident along with the Refuge Manager meet to de-brief the outgoing Incident Commander and provide an incident briefing while transferring all of the various administrative functions to the new IC.
It was somewhat of a “bitter sweet” moment for Steve Gray. Steve will be returning to his Georgia Forestry Commission position as a Chief Ranger awaiting his retirement in November, after 30 years of Service. Along with many fond farewells from his fellow team members, Steve was also presented with a hand carved walking staff autographed by fire personnel. He will be missed by all who have ever worked for him.
IC, Trent Ingram arrives just in front of Hurricane Irene that continues to move up the eastern coastline. “Although we are not expecting much rain out of this event it does appear that significant winds will be drying fuels, stirring up burning activity, and negatively influencing the fire for the next several days commented the new Incident Commander. “I am confident that this team can handle any situation which may arise over the next several days. I am looking forward to gaining the upper hand on this fire and bringing this incident to final closure” he commented.
The Honey Prairie Fire has been burning since late April and as of August 25, 2011 has burned 304,331 acres.
08-26-11
20:30 hrs