Today, April 22nd, 2026, Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties in response to the ongoing wildfires in South Georgia. Keep scrolling for all the details.
Kemp said, in the press release,
With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread. My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state, and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities. We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock.
Wildfires in South Georgia
If you haven’t heard yet, the South Georgia wildfire began on Saturday, April 18th, just before 5pm. According to WALB News,
A Level 3 evacuation order is in effect for residents living on or near Will Rewis and Chauncey roads in Echols County.
As of this morning, the fire remains 10% contained, and is forcing mandatory resident evacuation.
Is there more than one wildfire?
Yes. The Georgia Forestry Commission has reported dozens of new fires popping up in the area, that they are actively fighting.
The largest fire is by far the Pineland Road fire in Clinch County. According to a report by 11Alive,
The forestry commission said Tuesday [the Vineland Road fire] had continued to grow, and wildfire data on the commission’s website shows it at about 16,500 acres as of 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
In total across the last week, the forestry commission reports 99 wildfires burning almost 22,000 acres.
Where should evacuees go?
According to local reports, as of Wednesday, April 22, at 12:30 p.m., ALL residents of the Fruitland area are advised to EVACUATE the area.
WALB News says,
residents who live on Joe’s Lane, Worth Lane, Register Road and the Fruitland area have all been asked to immediately evacuate.
WALB also notes:
- Residents affected by the wildfire can go to Venture of Faith Camp at 1309 GA Highway 135 South in Lake Park. (Pets are welcomed, but they will be housed separately, Echols County EMA said)
- Those evacuating with campers or motor homes can go to Alaphoochee tractor show grounds, located at 202 Bethel Church Road in Lake Park
There is also a burn ban in place in 91 counties.
According to a new administrative order, there is also a burn ban in several Georgia counties. You can learn all about the ban directly from the state government’s website, here.
Am I in danger in Atlanta?
You are not in any danger in the City of Atlanta. Some residents reported a smokey / hazy morning or the smell of burning in the air, but the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department assures residents they are safe. And they will continue monitoring the situation.
Learn more about how to stay safe in the smoke, here.How can I help?
As we know more information, we’ll let you know, too. Stay safe, everyone.
