WAYCROSS, Ga. -- Firefighters made slow progress Thursday against two wildfires that have forced more than 2,000 people from their homes and destroyed 18 homes, saying improving weather conditions may let them get the upper hand on the fire that has burned 45 square miles in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

"We've been really happy with our success. Overnight, we were able to really get solid air forces and put in some really great fire breaks," said Eric Mosley of the Georgia Department of Forestry.

About 200 firefighters from across the region battled the blaze, which had blackened a patch of woodlands 12 miles long and 1 mile wide. On Wednesday, fire breaks the width of 12 plows were dug on both sides of the fire to stop the flames from jumping when the winds blow.

Helicopters and an airplane were used to drop water and fire retardant on the flames.

Several thousand people remained away from their homes per mandatory evacuations, but residents in some areas were permitted to return Wednesday afternoon.

"We're optimistic. The fire weather has been very erratic for the past four or five days. We have seen some decline in the winds and increases in humidity. It's helping us get a handle on the situation," said Robert Farris, head of the Georgia Forestry Commission.

"It's not as scary today as it has been. I know there's going to be a few more fires break out here and there, but they're just cutting in and keeping it all contained," said Carol Allen, who was recently allowed to return to her home. "You can look around and see how well the firemen have done protecting our homes and stuff. It's really been amazing -- the job that they've done."

The largest blaze -- called as the Sweat Farm Road fire -- was said to be 35 percent contained and no longer threatened to spread toward Waycross.

A smaller fire, a little over 3 square miles, had burned to within five miles of the refuge by Thursday morning but was mostly contained, said Shawn Gillette, a spokesman for the refuge.

The cause of the smaller fire was still unknown.

Southeast Georgia is extremely dry, with rainfall deficits of 6 to 8 inches for the year, officials said.

"The weather today is probably going to be a little bit better than it has been. The winds seem to have died down, the smoke has lifted some," said Jim Burkhart, a ranger at the Okefenokee refuge. But officials worried about stronger wind over the weekend spreading any flames.

Ware County schools remained closed for the third day on Thursday and are expected to remain closed on Friday.

Late Thursday afternoon, the increased presence of heavy smoke in the area led to Waycross Middle School being reopened as a shelter.

"It's pretty heavy, dense smoke accumulation. The decision has been made to reopen Waycross Middle School as a shelter for people," said Waycross Fire Chief Cedric Scott. "I would like to recommend the evacuation of the following area: Gilmore area, Brunnell, Newtown, Old Nine, Gilcrest Park, Carswell and Nichols Street are area of concern."

No deaths have been reported in connection with the wildfires, but several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation or minor injuries, including a firefighter who suffered a broken leg and cuts to his hand.

Mosley recommended that people stay away from areas affected by the fires and stay inside to avoid smoke, which "can be somewhat abrasive to the lungs."

Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties each issued health advisories Tuesday and Wednesday because of the smoke generated by the Georgia fires.

For further information about the Southeast Georgia wildfires, call 901-287-4467.