ST. GEORGE, Ga. – About 100 firefighters from across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida have joined nearly 700 already battling the massive West Mims wildfire burning in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
The fire jumped Highway 94 Sunday and advanced toward the southernmost communities in Georgia, prompting a mandatory evacuation for residents of St. George, Canaday Loop and Moniac. The fire briefly jumped the road again Monday, but the spot over fire was quickly contained.
Charlton County on Monday expanded its evacuation order to include the entire southern half of the county. Local residents are only being allowed in briefly to retrieve people and livestock.
Each hour, the 100-foot wall of fire is growing closer to Towna Mimbs’ property in St. George. The Mimbs family has belongings loaded in the car and sprinklers running on the roof.
"Nervous. Scared. Just praying and giving it to the Lord," Mims said Monday. "We did leave yesterday for a while, and then we came back last night and now we're just waiting it out to see what happens."
As of Monday night, 133,744 acres (209 square miles) had burned since the fire was reported April 6, and it is only 12 percent contained. At last check, there were 691 personnel from 32 states working to contain the fire, which expanded by 7,000 acres on Monday.
PHOTOS: Fire moves toward St. George |
Smoke seen across Northeast Florida
"To my knowledge, we have not lost any structures. A lot of really good work being done out here by the firefighters," said Tom Stokesberry of the U.S. Forest Service.
Eight heavy helicopters and four large air tankers worked continuously Monday. A tractor plow was overrun by fire about 4 p.m. Sunday close to Boggy Road on the south edge of the fire. The tractor became disabled due to being high-centered on a stump. The operator made it out without injury.
There were also 59 wildland fire engines, five bulldozers and 37 tractor plows working on the fire Monday.
Officials said the last three days have been a challenge because of what they call "extreme burning conditions," with low humidity and strong winds. The most critical concern will be if the fire spreads toward communities and transportation routes.
Fire officials said it will tell tropical rains -- perhaps a named storm passing over the area -- to get the fire completely contained. That might not happen until the fall.
Burn bans are in effect in Camden and Charlton counties in Georgia, as well as Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau and Putnam, Flagler and Alachua counties in Florida. Outdoor burning without a permit is never allowed without a permit.
Charlton County schools were closed Monday, but will reopen Tuesday. St. George Elementary School will be closed for the remainder of the week. Students who attend Charlton County High School and Bethune Middle School who live in the St. George attendance area will be excused from school. School transportation will not be provided south of Ruth Petty Road.
The shelter for St. George evacuees was moved Sunday from St. George Elementary School to the Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland. The Red Cross has enough cots and supplies to take care of 300 people, but there are currently no evacuees in the shelter.
One St. George resident who had evacuated returned to his church Monday to help prepare meals for the firefighters. He said this is personal for him.
"These guys come out, they put in a lot of effort. I just appreciate everything they do because it's a lot of work," Jonathan Hodges said. "I've got cousins and a bunch of guys out here fighting the fire. They're doing everything they can to keep us safe."
Fire officials told News4Jax that most residents have complied with the evacuation order, except for just a few people who have decided to stick around.
Charles McCoy is one of several choosing to stay behind despite mandatory evacuations.
"I'm not going to leave," McCoy said. "I've got my wife, my grandkids and everybody out of town. Me and my youngest son are still here and we're going to stay here."
Residents in the St. George area who had not evacuated were without power Monday night.
"They said that some power poles have caught fire and they're trying to replace them," Mimbs said.
As the flames intensified and smoke continued to filter out the sun, the eight members of the Johnson family did not waste any time debating whether or not to stick around, and packed into a minivan and left.
Fire officials said the blaze continues to move aggressively toward Nassau County, and crews are hoping to get a better handle on the wildfire before it crosses the state line.
Tuesday will be hot and dry again with the sea breezes, though light, creating unpredictable winds and the fire is expected to create columns Tuesday that could top out over 25,000 feet.
The Florida Highway Patrol said it is monitoring roads in the area of State Road 2 and Stare Road 121 in Baker County, Interstate 10 from Duval County to Columbia County and U.S. 90 from U.S. 301 to I-10 due to the smoke from the Georgia wildfire. Troopers encouraged drivers to use caution while traveling in those areas.
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Smoke spreads health concerns
The wildfire along the Georgia-Florida line prompted a dense smoke advisory Monday night until Tuesday morning for Charlton and Baker counties. Over the weekend, smoke and ash were visible up to 40 miles from the fire lines in the immediate area east to Nassau and northern Duval counties.
The Weather Authority expects varying amounts of smoke over Jacksonville every afternoon until Thursday, which will have some impact on the respiratory system for elderly and young people.
The smoke can cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing for healthy people. People with breathing problems are urged to stay indoors.
Allergist Sunil Joshi said people with chronic bronchitis, asthma and even heart disease should be on high alert.
"Unfortunately, until we get a whole bunch of rain to knock out these fires, it is something we have to pay attention to," Joshi said. "The weather is great this time of year and we want to be outside, but if you can smell the smoke, or if you see the ashes, it is really to your benefit to minimize that outdoor exposure."
Joshi said if you're having to be out in the smoky conditions, be sure to consult your doctor. He said you should take nasal sprays and inhalers with you at all times.
WATCH: How to protect pets from smoke dangers
Pets are also vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Just like humans, Joshi said, smoke can irritate the eyes, nasal passageway and respiratory system of your pet.
"Our pets, dogs in particular, our outdoor animals are going to have very similar issues that we have. So the older the pet, the more important it is for that pet to be kept indoors until the fire smoke is no longer in our region because their lungs could be affected just as well as ours can be," Joshi said.
If pet owners should contact a veterinarian if they notice red, swollen or runny eyes; wheezing; increased breathing or shortness of breath; purple gums or tongue; nasal discharge; lethargy; or reluctance to eat.