Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Cumberland Island Fire Still Burning

A wildfire that has consumed 2,550 acres on Cumberland Island's north end over the past two weeks was 90 percent contained by Monday, with roads in the area reopening to residents, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
Forestry officials said rainfall in the area helped firefighters' efforts to contain the blaze, which was started by lightning on June 22.
About 30 structures were threatened by what was called the South Cut Fire, and some residents voluntarily left the island.
More than 100 firefighters from the forestry commission, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Georgia National Guard and the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge were fighting the fire.
The fire was mostly confined to the wilderness area. The Cumberland Island National Seashore was closed north of Plum Orchard and Duck House Trail.
Park service staff said none of the cultural or historic sites on the island were damaged, although the church where John Kennedy Jr. was married was among the buildings threatened by the fire.
On Monday, the Main Road and Candler Road reopened for residents only. The fire area, including the Main Road, remained closed to through traffic from Cumberland Wharf to Duck House Trail.
The dock at Hawkins Creek Landing also reopened for local residents only, who will be allowed to travel to their homes through the burned area.

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