FOLKSTON, Ga. – The Okefenokee wildfire, burning since a lightning strike on April 6, has grown to cover over 35 square miles, the Georgia Fish and Wildlife Service said.
The fire, which is near the borders of Baker, Ware and Charlton counties, started near Eddies Tower and spread into the Okefenokee Swamp.
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A burn ban continues within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, while a countywide burn band is in place in Baker County, Florida.
Crews consisting of 356 individuals continue to battle the fire which is just 3 percent contained. The Georgia Forestry Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service are assisting in managing the fire. Six helicopters, 35 wildland engines, eight bulldozers, 40 tractor plows, two interagency hot shot crews and one initial attack crews are battling the fire.
With rain not expected in the immediate forecast, crews can't count on help from Mother Nature.
The Weather Authority's Mark Collins said that very low humidity Thursday and Friday will be a concern for additional spread of the wildfires. Temperatures will remain warm and very dry over the area through Saturday with high pressure in control, blocking rain. Light winds are expected Friday, but a late day sea breeze should press inland through the afternoon and evening. Smokey fog will be possible across inland areas the next several days which will create localized visibility less than 1 mile late at night into sunrise.
Florida State Road 2/Georgia State Road 94 is scheduled to be open from the agricultural check station at the Georgia/Florida state line to U.S. 441 in Fargo 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Temporary road closures may still occur. The Wilderness Canoe Trail overnight stops within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are closed. The Chesser Island Boardwalk at the Main Entrance is closed to the public and the Chesser Island Homestead will be closed to the public after 4 p.m. Thursday so structure protection can be put in place.
Community meetings will be held in Charleton County, Georgia. this weekend for residents and visitors to receive further updates.