NAHUNTA — The officially reported cause of the ongoing Brantley County fire is a mylar balloon striking a power line, which caused an arc of sparks that ignited the fire.
Now, over two weeks later, approximately 22,461 acres and over 100 homes have been burned. Power lines and poles have naturally also been caught in the blaze.
According to Okefenoke Rural Electric Membership Corporation (OREMC), roughly 85 poles have been lost, as of the writing of this article.
“Crews have conducted damage assessments, repairs and fire mitigation/prevention work around poles,” said Michele Hutchins, Director of Communications and Marketing at OREMC. “This is to help prevent its (fire) spread throughout the duration of the event, as conditions permit.
“Crews have completed about 90 percent of the damage assessments, documenting the location of downed lines and poles, determining what can be replaced, what is needed for repairs and laying out a plan to do so.”
Hutchins went on to state, per the OREMC Staking Supervisor, 30 poles were replaced Sunday, April 26 alone.
“Right now, everything that can be energized on our system is,” Hutchins said. As for members who are currently without homes, she said, “Individual member needs and situations will be a discovery and documentation process.”
Members who had an outstanding balance prior to the fires will still be considered responsible for said balance.
“That being said,” Hutchins continued, “we understand these are extenuating circumstances with members facing uncertainties, and we are willing to work with individual members on getting their balances paid off, and also helping them get reconnected when they are ready.”
Hutchins also thanked first responders and front line workers on behalf of OREMC, and offered sympathy to those who have lost their homes as a result of the fire.
For those with questions and concerns about their OREMC account or service connection, call 800-262-5131.
