FOLKSTON — Authorities say nearly 50 new wildfires have been sparked in and around the Okefenokee Swamp region of south Georgia.

Frank Sorrells of the Georgia Forestry Commission says at least a half-dozen of the fires were discovered Wednesday afternoon.

The Florida Times-Union reports the fires were sparked by recent lightning and fueled by continuing dry and hot weather.

Authorities say the dozens of new fires discovered this week are much smaller than the major blazes in and near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which remained active Wednesday.