Honey Prairie Fire Complex
Current acreage: 266,320 acres 60% contained
Extremely hot and dry weather conditions will result in erratic and critical fire behavior around all areas of the Honey Prairie Fire today. Fire crews have been urged to remain vigilant in monitoring and mopping up areas of the fire that have previously burned due to the high possibility of reburning.
According to fire behavior analysts, all the indicators of increased fire activity will be present today with the combination of hot, dry weather, record dry fuels, and variable winds with the sea breeze influence in the later afternoon.
In the northeast area of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge near Sapling Prairie, the fire was extremely active last night. Fire crews working the night shift were pulled back for safety reasons but day crews will be working in the area again today.
Along the eastern boundary of the Refuge, fire crews successfully burned out south of the Kingfisher Landing vicinity to meet the Honey Prairie Fire, forming a good fireline in that area. That operation had been in the plans for several days and weather conditions were finally favorable to that critical operation.
From Fargo around the southern boundary of the Okefenokee, to the East Entrance of the Refuge, fire crews will monitor and patrol firelines and extinguish hot spots (mop up) as necessary. Work continues at the west entrance around the Stephen C. Foster State Park to protect structures there, including the boardwalk that allows access to the public into the world famous swamp.
Work to protect structures at the Okefenokee Swamp Park in the northern area of the Refuge will likely be in place today, and a burnout around those structures may take place within the next couple of days as weather allows.
Smoke may continue to present problems in areas along the eastern side of the Okefenokee Refuge, and motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. Persons with health issues should remain indoors as much as possible.
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, FLDOT, Georgia Aviation Authority, Brantley County Fire Department, Ware County Fire Department, Toledo Manufacturing Company, Charlton County Volunteer Fire Department, Charlton County Commissioners, 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 Swamp Park, 912-283-0583; Stephen C. Foster State Park, 912-637-5274 or the refuge’s Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, 912-496-7836.
06-22-11
21:15 hrs