Lee County Fire and Emergency Services has deployed additional resources to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Brantley County, where a large fire continues to burn near Highway 82, close to Brunswick.
According to officials, Lee County sent two brush trucks and four personnel to support operations on the ground. The deployment was requested through the Georgia Mutual Aid Group (GMAG) under an established mutual aid agreement between agencies.
Sumter County Fire Rescue released a statement on their Facebook, and they are also sending crews to Brantley County.
“Captain Coleman and Engine 12 on their way to Brantley County to assist with the active fire situation in the area.”
The wildfire in the area has grown to more than 5,000 acres and is currently about 10% contained, as crews continue working to slow its spread.
Lee County firefighters will assist alongside state and local agencies, focusing on containment efforts and helping to protect nearby communities and property.
Officials are asking the public to keep all responding firefighters—and residents in affected areas—in their thoughts as suppression operations continue.
More than 70 firefighters deployed
The Georgia Forestry Commission has deployed more than 40 units of equipment and over 70 personnel to fight the fire. Crews are operating on day and night shifts, using bulldozers with fire plows to cut fire breaks ahead of the flames.
Two “Type 1 Chinook” helicopters are assisting with water drops.
Scott Griffin, president and CEO of Superior Pine Products Company, said his company is one of several contractors working with the Georgia Forestry Commission. His company is part of the Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners, which coordinates with state and federal agencies to fight wildfires.
Spradley said rangers with the Forestry Commission are prepared to stay for two weeks, away from their families. Timber companies have their own firefighters working alongside Forestry Commission firefighters, he said.
Griffin said firefighters are motivated by care for the land, people, families, homes, and surrounding areas. He said it takes a special individual to risk their lives and be away from their families for days in extreme conditions. Most work around the clock with rest periods as needed, he said.
