Firefighters are facing more hot, dry conditions as they continue to battle a powerful blaze along the Georgia-Florida border.
The West Mims fire has spilled out of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and now stretches some 144,000 acres, or nearly twice the size of the city of Atlanta. It is just 12 percent contained.
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Fire officials expressed optimism early Thursday that they were holding the line. On Wednesday, the fire consumed only 200 additional acres. Some 711 firefighters and other personnel are fighting the fire.
Joe Zwierzchowski, a spokesman for the interagency group leading the firefighting efforts, said dry conditions were proving challenging and significant rainfall would be a huge help.
“This is going to take a rain with a name,” Zwierzchowski said.
An evacuation order has been issued for the southern half of Charlton County.
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