Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Wildfires continue to devastate Georgia as drought conditions linger.
Thousands of acres of land continue to burn across the state, homes have been destroyed, smoke from south Georgia fires are drifting north into the mountains and there’s no rain chances until the weekend.
Here’s what we know as the state continues to fight the massive wildfires that continue popping up.
Map of Wildfires in Georgia
Waynesville is a city in Brantley County, Georgia, where wildfires have burned the hottest. Once a member of Wayne County, where its name derives, it sits near the county lines of Brantley and Glynn. Its population is just 331 according to the 2020 census.
Amid ongoing wildfires in Brantley County and throughout South Georgia, Chatham County Fire has sent crews and equipment to assist with containment efforts, according to a Facebook post by the fire department.
«When Georgia communities need help, the fire service stands together. We are proud to send resources to aid firefighters working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and natural resources,» the Facebook post states.
Two Chatham County Fire Department captains and four firefighters are currently deployed to Brantley County.
The Savannah Morning News has reached out for further comment.
— Ansley Franco, Savannah Morning News
The wildfire in Brantley County along Highway 82 is headed north by northeast as flames are fanned by 7 mph winds, said Georgia Forestry Commissioner (GFC) Public Information Officer Seth Hawkins at around noon today.
About 100 personnel are holding the fire steady for now at about 5,000 acres, thanks to last night’s low wind and high humidity levels. Containment has now crept up to 15%, up from 10% yesterday.
Much of the acres burned are forested, except for the 54 homes burned Tuesday, said Hawkins. Their efforts are not just reducing acres burned, but more so ensuring that homes remain safe.
— Jillian Magtoto, Savannah Morning News
Full Story Here
The Savannah Fire Department (SFD) has sent personnel and equipment Thursday to help with the wildfires in south Georgia.
According to SFD’s Public Information Officer Cheryl Mason, two brush trucks and six firefighters left Savannah around 8:30 a.m. to head towards Brantley County. Brush trucks are designed to fight off-road blazes when an area may be difficult to access with a conventional fire engine.
«It (brush trucks) can get down into the woods if needed,» Mason said.
While SFD typically deals with structure fires, not wildfires, Mason said they are going to help out wherever needed. Mason said she last heard that 54 houses have been burned down.
— Ansley Franco, Savannah Morning News
Savannah’s air quality index is currently at a moderate level, coming in at 81 as of 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index. The 81 score is in the «moderate» category, which recommends those who are «unusually sensitive» to particle pollution to consider shortening their time outdoors. The 11 a.m. AQI is 20 points away from the unhealthy for sensitive groups category, which starts at an AQI of 101.
— Evan Lassetter, Savannah Morning News
It’s probably not the best idea in the current dry situations.
There are multiple, more environmentally-friendly alternatives to burning yard debris, according to guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state and local waste management agencies:
- Composting: Leaves, grass clippings, and small branches can be composted to create nutrient-rich material for gardens and lawns. Composting reduces landfill waste and improves soil health by adding organic matter. Materials commonly used for composting include leaves, grass clippings, garden trimmings, and small twigs.
- Mulching or grasscycling: Grass clippings and shredded leaves can be left on lawns or used as mulch in landscaped areas. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and returns nutrients to the soil. Mulch is commonly used around trees and shrubs, in garden beds, and along walking paths.
- Chipping or shredding: Woody debris, such as branches and limbs, can be chipped or shredded and reused as mulch or for erosion control. Some communities offer mobile chipping services or equipment rentals.
- Curbside yard waste pickup: Many municipalities provide curbside collection for yard waste, which is then composted or processed into mulch. This option is often cheaper and safer than hauling or burning debris.
- Drop off at composting or recycling centers: Local convenience centers, municipal landfills, and recycling facilities often accept yard waste for processing into compost or mulch.
- Natural decomposition: On rural or wooded properties, leaves or brush can be piled in out-of-the-way areas to decompose naturally, providing habitat for insects and other wildlife.
- Repurposing and reuse: Larger branches and logs can be used as firewood if untreated and allowed to dry, repurposed for garden borders or raised beds, or donated to community gardens or neighbors.
— Erica Van Buren, Augusta Chronicle
DO NOT BURN! Read more
Starting on April 23, the City of Pooler Fire-Rescue is deploying personnel and equipment to assist with the ongoing wildfire suppression efforts in Brantley County.
Pooler Fire-Rescue’s Brush 601 and two personnel will operate on 12-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., deploying to the incident daily and returning each evening.
“Our personnel are trained and prepared for this type of response, and we are committed to supporting our partners in Brantley County during this challenging incident,” said Fire Chief Wade Simmons in a press release. “Wildland fires of this scale require coordinated, sustained efforts and we are proud to contribute to protecting lives and property.”
At this time, there is no projected end date for operations, and Pooler Fire-Rescue personnel will continue to assist as needed. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
— Destini Ambus, Savannah Morning News
What people are seeing in north Georgia from the current wildfires throughout the state.
- A hazy or «milky» sky
- The smell of smoke in the air
- Reduced visibility in some areas
Officials say these conditions are directly tied to fires burning farther south.
— Vanessa Johns, USA TODAY Deep South Connect Team
More on Wildfires smoke, spreading
The biggest of Georgia’s active wildfires is the Pineland Road fire in Clinch County near Valdosta. As of Wednesday night, it’s burned an estimated 29,606 acres and is still at only 10% containment. It was sparked on Saturday, April 18 with Georgia Forestry Commission describing the cause as “machine use.”
Smoke from Georgia wildfires
Smoke from fires in south Georgia is wafting north. Reports in Athens and other northern cities say that there is a heavy smoke smell in the air. This graphic shows how the smoke is spreading.
More updates from the National Weather Service.
Georgia State of Emergency
It’s all-hands-on-deck as Georgia leaders and first responders fight the wildfires down south. Shortly after a burn ban was declared for more than half the state, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency through May 22.
«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,» Kemp said. «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.»
— Miguel Legoas, USA TODAY Deep South Connect Team
More: What is Georgia State of Emergency?
Photos: Wildfire smoke near Augusta
What is causing Georgia wildfires?
“There’s been a sharp increase in fire risk due to the longer duration of the drought conditions,” said Chesser, who has worked at the state agency for 20 years. The last time he’s seen a drought this severe was 2011.
“We’ve rarely reached 24 hours without a fire,” said Chesser.
In the 30 days preceding March, the state responded to over 900 wildfires. The southeast corner of Georgia accounted for nearly half of them as the biggest hotspot for fire.
— Jillian Magtoto, Savannah Morning News
See full story
Burn ban in Georgia
A wildfire has burned about 4,000 acres in east Brantley County and west Glynn County along Highway 82, according to latest updates from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The fire began on Tuesday, April 21 in Brantley County, and is currently about 10% contained.
This fire is among the latest of a series of ignitions exacerbated by a drought persisting across the entire state. The GFC on Monday alone responded to 46 new wildfires, burning 1,080 acres statewide, it announced yesterday.
— Jillian Magtoto, Savannah Morning News
Read More: Burn ban in Georgia
Fire destroying Georgia homes
A wildfire that started Monday in south Georgia has destroyed thousands of acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Officials say the fire has destroyed dozens of homes and several businesses.
On Wednesday, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires in 91 counties. Affected counties include Richmond, Columbia, Burke, Jefferson, and McDuffie. The order includes a ban on burning yard debris and agricultural material in those counties.
Media outlets reported that winds carried smoke from the blaze into the Augusta area on Wednesday, with many on social media reporting seeing and smelling the remnants of the wildfire.
— Erica Van Buren, Augusta Chronicle
Read full story: Homes destroyed in Georgia
How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Plumes of smoke drifted across Georgia this week as a wildfire raged in the southern part of the state. On Wednesday, sightings of smoke and social media reports of a burning smell even reached as far as Augusta.
Here’s what to do if you encounter smoke, according to the American Red Cross and other safety agencies:
- Remain indoors with doors and windows closed if authorities advise staying put.
- Use a clean‑air room with a portable air cleaner or a high‑efficiency HVAC filter.
- If you must go outside in smoky conditions, wear a well‑fitting NIOSH‑approved respirator.
- Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself. Wildfires are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Leave suppression efforts to trained responders.
— Erica Van Buren, Augusta Chronicle
Wildfire Georgia safety, tips
What to do if you have a campfire:
- Drown: Pour lots of water on the fire until the hissing sound stops, drowning all the embers — don’t extinguish a fire with just dirt or sand.
- Stir: Use a shovel to stir the water into the embers, dirt, and sand, and mix well. Scrape any sticks and logs until no embers are exposed or smoldering, not just the red ones.
- Drown: Continue adding water, dirt, and sand until all material is cool.
- Feel: Hover the back of your hand over the ashes to feel that the embers are cool — don’t leave without making sure your fire is entirely out.
— Miguel Legoas, USA TODAY Deep South Connect Team
See tips, safety advice for Georgia wildfires
