The Honey Prairie fire, burning since April, joined another blaze called the Paxton Road fire on June 14 according to the US Forest Service. The fire threatens the diverse and beautiful Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida and Georgia.
Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Monday, June 13 over wildfires and drought conditions. A total of 333 wildfires are burning across Florida. They cover 293,442 acres.
“The ongoing danger of wildfires in our state prompted Governor Scott to sign an emergency order that will allow threatened communities to have the state, regional and local resources they need to get those fires under control. As we face these severe drought conditions, it’s important every Floridian takes proper precaution to prevent fires and keep their homes and communities safe,” said Lane Wright, press secretary to the governor, in a phone interview.
He said the worst of the fire is in the southern part of the refuge and its eastern entrance.
“The total size of the Refuge is 192,044 acres and half of it is burned off. So far 40 percent of it is contained but it is not enough. If drought and wind continues and we get pockets of heat from lightening, fire will continue,” said Jim Burkhart, a fire information officer from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in a telephone interview.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) spans southern Georgia and northern Florida. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved freshwater systems in America. The Native Americans called it Okefenoka, which means “Land of the Trembling Earth.” The ONWR was established in 1937 to protect the wildlife.
Residents are cautioned to be aware of floating embers setting spot fires on their property and have hoses and sprinklers ready should small grass fires ignite. Everyone should avoid outdoor burning.
Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Monday, June 13 over wildfires and drought conditions. A total of 333 wildfires are burning across Florida. They cover 293,442 acres.
“The ongoing danger of wildfires in our state prompted Governor Scott to sign an emergency order that will allow threatened communities to have the state, regional and local resources they need to get those fires under control. As we face these severe drought conditions, it’s important every Floridian takes proper precaution to prevent fires and keep their homes and communities safe,” said Lane Wright, press secretary to the governor, in a phone interview.
He said the worst of the fire is in the southern part of the refuge and its eastern entrance.
“The total size of the Refuge is 192,044 acres and half of it is burned off. So far 40 percent of it is contained but it is not enough. If drought and wind continues and we get pockets of heat from lightening, fire will continue,” said Jim Burkhart, a fire information officer from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in a telephone interview.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) spans southern Georgia and northern Florida. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved freshwater systems in America. The Native Americans called it Okefenoka, which means “Land of the Trembling Earth.” The ONWR was established in 1937 to protect the wildlife.
Residents are cautioned to be aware of floating embers setting spot fires on their property and have hoses and sprinklers ready should small grass fires ignite. Everyone should avoid outdoor burning.
