Honey Prairie Fire Complex: 299,683 acres, 70% contained
Honey Prairie Fire: Smoke may be present on the west side of the fire as winds are expected to come from the east today. Rain is predicted again today for the fire area. Fire line preparation and patrolling continues on the north half of the Refuge boundaries. Due to lower fire activity, future updates for the Honey Prairie Fire will be on an as needed basis.
A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service: “A slow moving surface trough will be the focus for showers and Storms this period as it advances south across the forecast area. Any storms which do develop are expected to be slow movers, producing locally heavy rainfall. A few strong storms with gusty winds and frequent lightning are also possible.”
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge remains closed. During the early morning hours of low fire activity, firefighters staged at the Visitor Center are clearing downed trees and cutting down hazardous trees along the Ridley’s Island Trail.
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 or to avoid fire areas whenever possible.
Sweat Farm Again Fire – 19,169 acres 88% contained
Racepond Fire – 20,934 acres 88% contained
Thunderstorms and rain returned on Friday over both fires averaging 1 – 2.5 inches of rain, with local areas receiving more. Firefighters are repairing damaged fence and completing other fire related rehabilitation projects as suppression operations wind down on these two fires. Structure protection continues in Swamp Park.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge remains closed. During the early morning hours of low fire activity, firefighters staged at the Visitor Center are clearing downed trees and cutting down hazardous trees along the Ridley’s Island Trail.
Fire crews from over 47 states have assisted the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in this fire suppression effort.
07-17-11
14:45 hrs