Sweat Farm Road Fire News - 27 April 2007

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission's Wildfire Situation Report, the Sweat Farm Road Fire in Waycross is impinging on US Highway 1. Some embers crossed the highway yesterday, but as of 0200 last night, it was 100 yards east of the highway. The fire has burned 61,109 acres, has cost approximately $3.1 million, and is 50% contained. They still estimate it will be contained on 30 April 2007. 464 personnel are committed to fighting the fire along with a Bell 407 helicopter, a UH-1 helicopter, 2 CH-47 helicopters, and P-3 Orion tankers. Although structures were protected, evacuations in some areas, including Astoria were necessary (according to media reports). In particular danger, according to the National Incident Information Center, were the Incident Command Post, the city of Astoria, the Okefenokee Swamp Park, a State Park, and the Lions Camp for the Blind.

Additionally, the Kneeknocker Fire in Brantley County rekindled, forcing some evacuations.

Frequency-wise, I really don't have anything to offer because I am too far away from the area to be able to pull anything in. I can suggest 38.150, 139.400 (AM), and 242.400 for the CH-47 Chinooks involved in the firefighting efforts. I have heard these frequencies in use as they have departed from and arrived from Hunter AAF for fire duties.

The National Weather Service forecasts for the Waycross area show a slight chance of rain today and continued dry weather for the coming days. The fire danger rating for the Waycross area remains at Very High to Extreme.

I realize that this is a radio related blog and I usually don't bring religion into it, but if you are a religious person, please pray for the folks in the area of these fires. Keep them in your thoughts and pray for rain to help out all of the fire, forestry, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel that are putting in such long hours fighting these fires and trying to protect the communities around them.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net