The Exchange Club of Waycross hosted Chief Ranger Thomas Whitley who explained that the West Mims Fire has consumed 153,000 acres of timber in the Okefenokee Swamp. Fifty land owners outside the Refuge had land; losing 30,000-40,000 acres of timber land near Fort George. Eight inches of rain (and more recently!) has reduced fire and allowed lifting of the burn ban. Fire threat has been lowered to 485 out of 0-800 index. They are trying to keep fire south of the Suwanne Canal. There are a few hot spots but more rain is coming he said. A few campers vehicles were burned. One fire employee remained in Ware County Fire office while all other employees worked the fire with several surrounding counties’ fire departments and some from all across the state.
