FOLKSTON, Ga. (WTXL) - The West Mims Fire is continuing to burn reports saying the fire has in fact grown more than 10,000 acres larger.
The Fish and Wildlife Service of Georgia reported that the West Mims Fire was 36,050 acres, with 4 percent of that being contained as of Sunday.
However, they said that significant fire growth occurred late in the day, infra-red imagery confirming that the current size has grown to be 46,413.
They said that high winds caused the northwestern edge of the fire to spread toward Stephen C. Foster State Park. With 8 to 10 mph westerly winds predicted for Monday, the fire is expected to continue to burn on Fiddlers Island.
While the fire did advance through Black Jack Island Sunday, it is expected to slow as it approaches wet areas north of the Island.
Officials warned that smoke could reach Jacksonville due to wind.
Swamp Island Drive has been closed and access to all water trails, including boat tours, from the Suwannee Canal Recreation area (Eastern side of refuge) have been suspended until further notice. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center and Okefenokee Adventures are currently open.
