Swamp ablaze in gusty conditions
UNITED STATES: Firefighters were battling yesterday to prevent a fire in a southern Georgia wildlife refuge from spreading, authorities said.
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge said in a statement that ‘‘extremely dangerous burning conditions persist’’ and that 4450ha have been consumed by fire in the past two days.
The unincorporated community of St George is under a mandatory evacuation order and Charlton County schools have been closed.
Wind gusts and dry conditions were raising the risk of the fire spreading.
The fire in total has burned 52,550ha, and wind gusts and dry conditions were raising the risk of the fire spreading, the statement said.
Some 535 personnel had been assigned to fight the fire, along with 10 helicopters, 55 wildland fire engines, bulldozers and other equipment, the statement said. The fire is 12 per cent contained.
The area, on the GeorgiaFlorida line, is also under a dense smoke advisory that is expected to impact visibility in the towns of St George, Callahan, Ratliff and northern Duval County, near the Jacksonville International airport.
A temporary shelter has been opened in the gymnasium at the Folkston Elementary School. County administrator Shawn Boatright said it would stay open indefinitely.
‘‘We’re not sure what’s going to happen right now, so it’s open until further notice,’’ he said.
He encouraged residents to bring whatever personal items they might need for an extended shelter stay. -AP