The Georgia Fire Information Center will be open from 8 am – 8 pm daily to help assist the public and media with up to date information on all fires across the Southeast Georgia and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Please contact us at 912-496-2566 or [email protected].
Honey Prairie Fire Complex: 267,900 acres 60% contained
Sweat Farm Again Fire: 19,725 38% contained
Racepond Fire: 21,220 acres 55% contained
Extremely hot and dry weather conditions will continue to cause erratic fire behavior around all fires across Southeast Georgia today.
Incident meteorologists reported 2 inches of rain fell late last night on various portions of the fire focused mostly on the Racepond Fire near the intersection of US Highway 1 and Georgia Hwy 1. Thunderstorms this evening will bring more rain and lightning across southeast Georgia.
Four new starts were reported yesterday in the northwestern portion of the refuge.
Crews on the Honey Prairie Fire and the Satilla Summer Fires will continue to patrol and work hot spots around the perimeters of the fire. A group will be incoming to take on the task of managing the tedious and long-term task of mopping up hot spots near the containment lines.
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 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. Structure protection at the Okefenokee Swamp Park is complete and strategic firing operations around those structures may take place as weather allows.
Smoke will 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 DNR, Georgia Aviation Authority, Brantley County Fire Department, Ware County Fire Department, Toledo Manufacturing Company, the counties of Charlton, Ware and Clinch, Charlton County Volunteer Fire Department, 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.
06-23-11
21:00 hrs