Rain relief means Okefenokee-area parks will open for holiday weekend

Recent rains have given those fighting the West Mims wildfire in south Georgia a respite. (Photo: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge)

Recent rains have given those fighting the West Mims wildfire in south Georgia a respite. (Photo: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge)

A massive south Georgia wildfire was still burning Thursday afternoon. But the West Mims fire is not 65 percent contained, thanks to much-needed rainfall, officials said.

The fire remained at 152,478 acres as nearly 800 people worked Thursday to further contain the blaze, which was sparked by lightning April 6. During the past two days, between 2 to 3 inches of rain has fallen in the area.

Though the fire is still active, officials will re-open Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo on Friday, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. The Suwannee River Sill and The Pocket of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge will also open.

Cabins and campsites can again be reserved. But due to the dry conditions, no campfires or grills are allowed within the park. Boating is also not currently available due to low-water conditions.

The main entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, near Folkston, remains closed.

The rain was moving out of the area Thursday and the return of hot, dry conditions was expected, according to the refuge.