Sweat Farm Road Fire News

From the US Forestry National Incident Information Center from April 22:
"Sweat Farm Road is located 10 miles west of Waycross. Yesterday, the wind-driven fire spread to 55,619 acres. Most of the acreage increase was due to burnout operations. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Floyd) is assigned along with some members of the Atlanta-based National Incident Management Organization (NIMO). 18 residences and five outbuildings have been destroyed and there remains a threat to 320 residences. Good progress was made yesterday as winds were lighter slowing the rate of spread. Smoke continues to affect highway traffic."

"Big Turnaround is located 10 miles west of Waycross. Access to the area is limited. The fire is burning in southern rough and pine plantations. There is a low threat to Okfenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Some torching and crowning were observed."


From the Georgia Forestry Commission Wildfire Situation Report from April 22:
Acres: 55,619
Cost to Date: 1.4 million
Containment: 39%
Committed Resources: about 500 personnel (will know tomorrow from Plans)
Estimated Containment Date: 4/27/07

Today's Events:
Rangers improved firebreaks along northern and western portions of fire nearest to Waycross. Much head way was made in strengthening the breaks and mop up has begun in order to cool hot spots. Because of these efforts by the combined effort of the GFC Rangers and Local firefighters Waycross is much safer today.

Along the southern portion of the fire was another story all together. The morning provided much need relief due to subdued weather condition, but as afternoon drew closer fire conditions changed from great to horrible. Lower humidity and increase variable winds provided renewed energy to the sleeping giant. A couple of spot fires, along Davis and Glenmore Rd., provided extra work for crews today. Flame lengths were measured at 100ft. Nearby units were able to contain fire and are moping up. GFC Type 2 Team used air tankers from nearby Lake City, Florida to cool fire and contain it. Fire Operations Chief said, "The fire just want quit".

Tomorrow's Plans:
The team will continue to strengthen lines and continue mop up in contained areas. We will be shifting resources from Divisions A,B,C, and H to Divisions I, J, and K. The reason for shifting these resources, are to bring fresh new rangers and larger equipment to the hottest areas. Burn-out operations will continue tomorrow as well to continue creating black line between the Swamp Road and the head fire.

Weather is looking pretty consistent throughout the upcoming week with a very slight chance of rain on Friday.