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There's a pretty sad state of affairs here in Georgia. The fires continue to burn in the south of the state. Here is the most recent email I received about it: The total acres burned are now 612,000. There are 640 acres per square mile, so that equals 956 square miles. Cost of fighting the fire so far is $52.9 million. A situation report is updated daily at: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/FireSituationReports/public.pdf
There are now approx. 1,600 personnel assigned to this fire. That large an effort must be organized very much like a military operation, with chains of command and daily orders for crews and equipment assigned to various sectors. You can see each day's orders ("incident action plan") posted at http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/IAP.pdf
As of last night, on the west side of the refuge, the fire not only jumped Highway 177 but also the Suwannee River (which is now only a trickle) and is headed toward Fargo (only four miles away) if the wind continues from the East. A fire map is updated daily at: http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/Okefiremap.pdf
The Okefenokee swamp is a treasured National Wildlife refuge covering 680 sqare miles in southern-most Georgia. One of the entrances into the park is located in Fargo, which is referenced in the above email. The Indians called it "Land of the Trembling Earth" It is a critical habitat for abundant wildlife and migrating birds. there is everything you would expect in a swamp, including alligators and ghost stories. It is truly one of the treasures of Georgia, and is in great danger.
Supplies are being gathered across the state to send to the firefighters and others involved. They must be exhausted and discouraged. They need our prayers.
A thankful heart is a happy heart. |
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