Prescribed burn in Effingham Co. escapes break lines near Highway 21

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WTOC) - A prescribed burn escaped containment lines near Highway 21 and Egypt-Ardmore Road on Monday, according to Effingham County Fire Rescue.

Crews responded to the fire around 1:20 p.m.

“We were able to deploy our drone for an overhead view of the area. Units are on standby for structural protection until Georgia Forestry Commission cuts a new containment line,” Effingham County Fire Rescue wrote in an update.

Officials said the fire grew as winds caused spot fires to spread ahead of containment lines.

As a result, three homes along Nixon Chapel Road were evacuated.

By around 9 p.m., Effingham County Fire Rescue said the fire had been contained with additional fire breaks and decreasing winds.

Residents who were evacuated were allowed to return home following containment of the fire.