CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - As Georgia wildfire conditions improve, crews are turning their attention to “Mop Up operations.”

Mop up is just as critical as the initial attack, according to The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC).

In these operations, crews look for hot spots on containment lines, take care of smoldering material, apply water, fell hazardous trees and monitor heat sources.

In peat soil and swampy areas, fires can burn underground in organic soil deposits, according to GFC. A fire in these conditions can burn underground for weeks to months, with few visible signs.

Under Georgia’s drought conditions, it could take 8 to 10 inches of rain to extinguish these fires naturally. This is why officials say Mop Up is so important.

“A fire that appears contained can still escape if Mop Up is incomplete” said Thomas Barrett, Forest Protection Chief.

As of May 5, the Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 Fire are at 90% containment. Both areas still have active fires.

As crews continue to work, GFC asks residents to:

• Stay out of active fire areas
• Respect road closures/restricted areas
• Keep drones away from wildfire operations
• Use caution when driving in fire zones
• Be mindful of sparks that could cause additional wildfires

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