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FARGO — The wildfire raging in the southern section of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has not yet put the region’s wildlife in imminent peril, according to a refuge spokeswoman.

Wednesday, the lightning-sparked fire had only grown by a few hundred acres from the day before, topping out at 21,790 acres, according to a refuge statement. The number of firefighters has grown to 330 and the number of helicopters available has tripled since Monday, with six choppers ready for duty.

Though no evacuations had been ordered as of Wednesday, authorities were carefully watching the area around Fargo, urging people to prepare “go bags” of essential evacuation supplies and holding a town meeting to discuss the fire with residents.

Precautions have been taken to assist wildlife, said Susie Heisey, supervising park ranger for the refuge.

“We’re trying to protect the red cockaded woodpecker, which is an endangered species,” she said.

The birds live in pine and “cavity” trees, and workers are raking fuel away from the trees, Heisey said.

In the case of a slow-moving fire, most animals have the instinct to get on the move, she said.

Dry weather means lower water levels in many ponds in the refuge. However, Heisey said there “is still good water” in several lakes for animals, such as turtles, alligators and fish, who especially need it.

“Alligators and turtles will move to deeper water areas until water levels pick up,” she said.

Animals aren’t the only ones impacted by fire and water. Overnight stops on the refuge’s canoe trail are closed, although daytime canoeists and guided boat tours can still use them. A burning ban, including campsites and for charcoal grills, is in effect at the refuge. The Chesser Island Boardwalk at the main entrance is also closed.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.