Ware County Fire and Rescue was called to assist Charlton County fire crews on Sunday, February 22, to help battle a massive wildfire north of Folkston that forced some residents to evacuate.
The fire was started by a downed power line, and went on to burn roughly 697 acres. It is still technically burning, with lingering piles and stumps, but according to Charlton County Fire and Rescue Chief C.L Lewis, the fire was 90 percent contained, with mop up still underway late last week.
Ware County Fire and Rescue supplied one truck, as well as four personnel, to aid in containment and structural protection. Fire crews from Brantley and Camden County, as well as Hilliard, Florida, lent aid. Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Georgia Department of Transportation also helped the effort.
Some residents were forced to evacuate Sunday afternoon, though the evacuation order had been lifted by that evening. Ultimately, eight outbuildings were destroyed by the fire, while two homes were directly damaged by the fire, not accounting for smoke damage.
“I’m glad that we have good neighbors that lend helping hands in times of trouble,” Lewis told the Journal-Herald.
