This fire started when a tree fell on a power line on April 16, during high winds (caused by the April 2007 nor'easter and a strong high-pressure system), and low humidity along with drought conditions. By April 30, it had burned about 80,000 acres (320 km²)—about 20% of which was in the refuge—and had also destroyed 22 homes, and forced the evacuations of over 1,000 people. A fire break long was bulldozed through the pine forest to protect the city of Waycross, but there were of the line. The governor of Georgia made a disaster declaration, making Ware and Brantley counties eligible for government aid.