Local Rangers Helping with Wildfire in Okefenokee Swamp

Firefighters battling the wildfire in the Okefenokee Swamp are getting help from local rangers with the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Gary Roberts with the Georgia Forestry Commission said crews and equipment from their Lavonia station were sent down last month.

“We sent our engine from this unit down there on April 21,” said Roberts. “It’s ran by two of our rangers that work out of this office and we’ve kept it staffed up to this date and we’ll probably have to keep it staffed at least two more, two-week rotations.”

The wildfire started in the Okefenokee last month and at one point, firefighters thought they had it contained until high winds blew sparks across the fire lines causing flames to threaten homes in the area.

“The Okefenokee is federal property and they’ve got a swamp edge break that surrounds the whole swamp in case it does catch fire,” said Roberts. “But our goal was to keep it off of private property, but Saturday it actually jumped the break and got on private property and that’s when it becomes our responsibility.”

On Monday, residents of nearby St. George and Moniac were ordered to evacuate.

Now fire officials are saying it could be fall before the wildfire is under control.

Roberts said his team will be there to help as needed.
Officials say a lightening strike is the cause of the wildfire in the Okefenokee.