The fire broke out during a period of extreme weather in the region, with the National Weather Service confirming wind gusts up to 59 mph in Savannah. These “howling” winds complicated containment efforts and fueled public speculation about the fire’s origin.
The Delta Flight 1067 Connection
A key piece of the afternoon’s drama involved Delta Flight 1067.
- Engine Failure: Passengers on the flight reported a “blown engine” shortly after takeoff.
- Emergency Landing: The crew successfully executed an emergency return to Savannah.
- The Grass Fire: Some eyewitnesses on social media suggested the grass fire may have been ignited by sparks or debris from the struggling engine as it circled back to the runway. However, airport officials have not yet officially confirmed a direct link between the aircraft’s mechanical failure and the blaze.
The Response Team
- First Responders: The 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department (Georgia Air National Guard) was deployed to the scene.
- Status: Emergency personnel were able to keep the fire from spreading to critical airport infrastructure or terminal buildings.
- Impact: Passengers reported seeing fire trucks on the tarmac, and while some flights experienced brief holding patterns or delays due to smoke visibility, the airport remained open.
Witness Accounts: “The Wind Was No Joke”
Videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook showed dramatic footage of orange flames licking the grass near the runway, filmed from terminal windows and taxiing aircraft.
“Impressed with the crew of Delta 1067… they even told us not to worry about the fire on the grass! Stuff happens and that’s why you fly Delta.” — Passenger on flight DL1067
Local residents in nearby Pooler also reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the airport vicinity. Many took to social media to express relief that the high winds did not push the fire toward residential areas.