At the briefing at the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) which was held at 11:00 am with more information about the Carswell Ave., fire, it has been called the Sweat Farm Road Again Fire.
Background
Our Firefighters are back at the lines again this morning to battle the day old Sweat Farm Road Again Fire that has already consumed 5,000 acres in northwestern Ware County and forced the evacuation of homes. This fire has been given the recycled name because it started close to where the Sweat Farm Road Fire originated in 2007 when it burned more than 600,000 acres stretching from west of Waycross, through the Okefenokee Swamp and near Lake City.
As stated by Chief Dennis King of the Ware County Fire Dept
- We did get thunderstorms that moved through the area late last night but these didn’t help or make any effect.
- The fire at this time has covered 5,000 acres and has NO Containment.
- So far we have spent a major part of our time on Structural Protection and currently we haven’t lost a building.
- Over night the fire unexpectantly turned back on itself, but no one knows how it will ever react.
- The GA Forestry ploughed fire breaks throughout the night
- This isn’t looking good, because we have expected South, South West winds at 5 – 10 miles an hour today with low humidity which is just perfect conditions for the fire, which can travel at 10 miles a day!
- There is no need for panic at this time, but we must keep alert to the situation. If evacuation is required, we should be able to give one to one and a half hours notice.
- The main staging area at this time is the Pine Valley Church Building. Remember, if you need to be evacuated, try to stay with friends or family, however if this isn’t possible, then there will be Red Cross facilities and possibly schools, but this is under advisement.
Road Closures at this time are:
122 closed, and Manor Mill Road N @ GA 520
More Info:
There is a number to call of: 912-287-4471, however it isn’t being manned at this time, due to staff helping with the fire itself as everything is spread very thin with the amount of fires we currently have in the area. So, rather than call this, return here as they will be directing you to this website for the latest info as this will be maintained 24-7.
Pray for Rain!
06-16-11
12:30 hrs