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May 22, 2017 - Okefenokee Fire Continues to Burn

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Okefenokee Fire Before
Landsat 8
April 27, 2016
Okefenokee Fire After
Landsat 8
May 16, 2017
Okefenokee Fire Map
Okefenokee Fire Before
Okefenokee Fire After
April 27, 2016 May 16, 2017
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A wildfire ignited by lightning in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on April 6, 2017, is persisting into May. Landsat 8’s shortwave infrared band, which is sensitive to soil and ash in burned areas, combined with the near-infrared band, which is sensitive to healthy vegetation, to provide an accurate distinction between burned and unburned vegetation. Recent reports indicate that good progress has been made to extinguish the flames; however, drought conditions are expected to continue in this area of extremely dense vegetation.