The Ware County Fire

May 7, 2007

On April 16, 2007, a fire ignited in Waycross, Georgia.

The fire has caused devastation and hardship

for the entire community.

The Sweat Road Fire or “The Monster,” a nickname given to the fire

by firefighters, is the largest fire recorded in Georgia’s history since the Georgia Forestry Commission began

recording forest fires in 1957.

With flames more than 120 feet high, firefighters with 30+ years of experience

report that they have never seen fire with this type of behavior.

To date, over 100,000 acres have burned

throughout Ware County.

To date, 100,000 acres have been lost and 18 homes destroyed by the

fire.

126 miles of fire lines and 1000 miles of firebreaks have been created to keep the fire from consuming the entire community.

Projected cost thus far is $18 million.

Nearly 1000 men and women firefighters have worked day and night to contain and

control the fire.

On April 16, 2007, the fire burned 150 feet from Ruskin Elementary School.

Smoke damage made it impossible for teachers

and students to return to the school for several days.

Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross graciously opened its doors to Ruskin Elementary School. More than 400 students attended school in

Sunday School classrooms throughout the building.

Daily changes in wind direction sent smoke to various parts of the community

causing unexpected road closures.

Smoke from plumes impacted visibility making travel potentially dangerous

throughout the community.

Approximately 1500 people were evacuated and displaced from their homes. Eighteen homes were destroyed by fire. Waycross Middle School served

as a Red Cross shelter for evacuees.

Ware County High School served as the

staging area for firefighters coming from

several states to assist with the fires.

Ware School personnel met each day for three weeks at the Public Safety Building where they worked with law

enforcement, the National Weather Service, Public Health, and Georgia Forestry to determine whether or

not schools could open safely.

On May 2, 2007, Governor Sonny Perdue

declared a State of Emergency in counties

affected by the wildfires. Governor Perdue

visited Waycross twice during the fire’s

duration.

The black line marks the first fire

which has been known as the Sweat Farm Road Fire. This fire is 80%

contained.

The Red Line marks what has been called the Big Turnaround Fire. It is 45% contained as of May 7, 2006.

Current Status

It has been said that Ware County has witnessed

incredible damage and awesome power over

the past several weeks.

As firefighters fought to save our land, our

homes, and our citizens, we have

worked to help ensure the safety and well-

being of our community’s most precious resource:

our children.

Ware County Fire Department Waycross City Police

Waycross Fire Department Satilla Regional Medical Center

Fire Units From Georgia and Other States Georgia Emergency Management

Georgia Forestry Commission Satilla Community Health

Ware County Emergency Management Agency Ware County Emergency Medical

American Red Cross Southeast Health Unit

Ware County Sheriff’s Department City of Waycross

Ware County Commission National Weather Service

Department of Family and 911/Public Safety

Children’s Services Waycross/Ware Chamber of Commerce

Ware County Health Department Department of Corrections

All photos are of the 2007 Ware County Fire.

Photos courtesy of John Gibson, Carlos Nelson, and various media sources.

On behalf of the Ware County Board of Education and Dr. Joseph C. Barrow, Superintendent, thank you to

those who helped keep us safe: