Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region

Honey Prairie Complex Fires

The Photos were taken during the early stages of the Honey Prairie Fire, April 29 and May 1

A lightning stike on Thursday, April 28, 2011 set off the Honey Prairie Fire in the southwest portion of the refuge. The fire was declared out on April 17, 2012.

Refuge staff will post all fire updates on this Web page.
If you have questions or concerns which are not addressed on the maps or news releases feel free to call the Incident Information Officer 912-286-3110.
Past experience has shown that the fire cannot be suppressed in the swamp. These fires can be successfully dealt with utilizing fire lines, mechanical equipment, strategic fireing techniques, and firebreaks in uplands surrounding the swamp.
Because of a prolonged drought, the water levels in the Okefenokee Swamp are lower now than they were prior to the fires in 2007. Most of the canoe trails were closed prior to the fire due to low water levels. The Suwannee River gage on US 441 in Fargo is a good indicator of swamp water level.
Effective Saturday, July 23, 2011 the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area including Okefenokee Adventures is open for boat tours, the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, Swamp Island Drive, the Chesser Island Homestead grounds, and all hiking trails except the Swamp Bordwalk and half of the Ridley's Island Trail are reopened.
Effective December 14, 2011, the Suwannee Canal has reopened for self-guided day trips by canoe or kayak beyond the two mile markers.
The Suwannee Canal and Billy's Lake are opened to private motorboats with motors 10 hp or less.
Effective February 21, 2012, the Suwannee River Sill will reopen. Hours are sunrise to sunset.
Coffee Bay, Canal Run, and Mixons Hammock will be open for canoe camping on March 1, 2012. Campers can start making reservations on February 21, 2012.
Kingfisher Landing has reopened for canoes, kayaks, and motor boats.
The office, campground, cabins, picnic area, museum, interpretive boat tours, canoeing and kayaking on Billy's Lake are open at Stephen C. Foster State Park.
Okefenokee Swamp Park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and features Eye on Nature Shows, boat tours, and Train Tours. For updates, call 912-283-0583.
For additonal fire information, visit InciWeb, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Florida Forest Service Web sites.
NOAA Fire Weather and Smoke Forecast
Satellite imagery of smoke plumes.
Helpful information about Firewise homes and communities.