Wildfire 50 Percent Contained in Ga.

A massive wildfire in South Georgia was threatening Okefenokee Swamp while moving away from built-up areas, officials said.

John Oxendine, Georgia insurance and fire commissioner, visited the Waycross area, The Waycross Journal-Herald reported. He said the swamp needs some good rains to protect it.

The fire, which has consumed more than 60,000 acres was pronounced about 50 percent contained Thursday. But fire officials warned that hot spots could flare up, or high winds could cause a change in direction, leading to more evacuations and road closings.

Three Chinook helicopters that carry loads of 2,500 gallons of water at a time are involved in the effort.

The Chinooks are out there like a bucket brigade, pouring bladder after bladder onto the fire, Oxendine said.

The fire, one of the largest in Georgia history, has put residents of Waycross and Ware County on an emotional roller coaster for more than a week.

Marie O’Berry told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that sheriff’s deputies came to her house late Tuesday and said her family had to leave.

The fire was so close, the sky was blood-red, she said. I couldn’t just taste the smoke and smell it. I could feel it. It was terrifying. It was a nightmare.