MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- As the largest fires in Georgia history continue to burn hundreds of thousands of acres to the north and east of the Valdosta region, Team Moody members should remain vigilant of fire safety practices to prevent another blaze even closer to home. 

Even despite the inch of rain Moody received during a recent a thunderstorm, the extremely dry conditions present a danger which could turn the slightest spark into a wildfire, said John Crain, Moody's base forester. 

"People don't realize just how dangerous it is out there, but the situation right now is the worst we've had for several decades in South Georgia," he said. "Before performing even the most routine tasks, stop and consider if your actions might create that spark to start a fire. 

"If you smoke, make sure you don't flick the remnants out the window of a car," Mr. Crain added. "Also, refrain from parking in an area with tall, dead grass." 

But even if a wildfire enters a community or forest nearby, there are preventative measures to help ensure the protection of houses or structures, said Mr. Crain. 

"If your home is near the woods, water your grass and make sure there is no brush that comes close to the house to create a firebreak," he said. "It's also wise to have a couple of hoses outside the house in-case somebody sees a fire when you aren't home. People tend not to think about these things until it's too late." 

As of last week, three separate fires had burned more than 242,000 acres of forest in Georgia and Florida. The closest of the fires is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Moody in the vicinity of Pearson, Ga. The other two fires are located at the northern and southern points of the Okefenokee Swamp, which is located more than 60 miles east of Moody. 

The directions of the wind dictate the amount of smoke in the Valdosta region, as winds from both the north and east bring remnants from the fire into the area. Smoke from the fire has been reported as far north as Tennessee. The smoky conditions will probably prevail for at least a couple more weeks as the fire's spread is difficult to prevent, said Mr. Crain. 

"The fires in the Okefenokee Swamp are slow burning and won't go out quickly," he said. "The dry areas are burned, and the fire is jumping throughout the wetlands as the embers fly to different parts through the wind past the firebreaks. The fire will likely be continuous until those areas receive a heavy, soaking rain that lasts for a couple days." 

While the smoke may be just an irritant to some, there are adverse health effects that can cause harm to the elderly or those with asthma, said Master Sgt. Heather Mullice, 23rd Medical Group Public Health Flight NCO-in charge. 

"We've been telling people to closely follow the smoke advisories, especially those with respiratory conditions" she said. "This would entail refraining from exercising or performing activities outdoors when the smoke is real bad." 

Despite the health affects associated with the smoke and damage incurred to structures in the fire's path, the blaze is having a positive impact on the environment, said Mr. Crain. 

"Fire is actually a good thing for the swamp's ecosystem in the long run, and the fire departments are letting it run its course in the Okefenokee Swamp," he said. "If there isn't a fire for a long period of time, all the open areas in the swamp will fill in with trees and vegetation. The fire will open up the swamp, so there will be more areas for birds and other animals that live there." 

Even with its beneficial affects, a large wildfire would not be a desired event in the local area and should be taken seriously by all Team Moody members, said Mr. Crain. 

"A local wildfire at this point could greatly hinder military operations at Moody, incur large financial costs for containment and damage natural resources," he said. "With the current extreme drought conditions and the ongoing largest fires in Georgia history, it is very important for each of us to practice a mindset of fire prevention."