91 Counties in Georgia are under a burn ban, as well as a State of Emergency, issued yesterday by Georgia governor Brian Kemp, as wildfires rage across South Georgia. The devastation continues without much good news. Keep scrolling for all the details.
Georgia in a State of Emergency
According to the Georgia Forest Commission, since Wednesday night, the organization has had to respond to 34 new wildfires, burning 75 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now estimated at 29,606 acres and remains 10% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated at 4,438 acres and remains 15% contained.
Firefighters and first responders are working around the clock to get these fires contained and keep people safe. However, with ongoing drought conditions and no significant rainfall in sight, wildfire activity remains elevated across Georgia.
Pineland Road Fire (Clinch County)
By far the largest fire, the Pineland Road Fire, is currently estimated at 29,606 acres, with just a 10% containment rate.
Crews with the Georgia Forestry Commission and Cooperators are actively working to contain the fire. Due to dry conditions, the fire continues to burn in the bays and swamps increasing the difficulty of suppressing the fire.
The cause of this fire is currently unknown.
For evacuation information, call the numbers below:
- Clinch County EMA – Andrew Nelson – 912.487.3700
- Echols County EMA – Allen Levesque – 229.559.6538
Highway 82 Fire (Brantley County)
The Highway 82 Fire has burned an estimated 4,428 acres and is currently 15% contained. The fire remains under a full suppression strategy, indicating aggressive efforts to control it. Fire behavior is described as extreme, with wind-driven runs, spotting, and group torching.
53 homes have been lost, and an estimated 1,000 homes are currently threatened.
What should I do?
Here in Atlanta, keep an eye on the air quality for smoke alerts.
You can also visit the Georgia Forestry Commission for updates, how to donate to local efforts and rescue, and how to stay safe.
As we know more information, we will keep you updated as well.
Stay safe, Atlanta.
