TALBOT COUNTY ARSONIST SENTENCED FOR SPRING WILDFIRE
A Columbus, Georgia man has been sentenced for deliberately setting a wildfire that burned more than 100 acres in Talbot County. Law enforcement officers with the Georgia Forestry Commission took William Shane Harvey into custody near the fire in March. He was charged with arson in the second degree. Harvey pled guilty to the charge … Continue Reading →
TIMBER THEFT CHARGES FILED AGAINST EASTMAN TIMBER AGENT
A registered agent of Branch Forestry Co., LLC in Eastman, Georgia, is facing timber theft charges. Christopher Bradley Branch was arrested by law enforcement officers of the Georgia Forestry Commission on September 1, 2026. Branch has been charged with Failure to Pay for Natural Products or Chatels (O.C.G.A. 16-9-58) in connection with a timber harvesting … Continue Reading →
TIMBER THEFT CHARGES LODGED AGAINST BULLOCH COUNTY MAN
A Bulloch County man is facing theft charges in connection with a timber sale transaction. Kevin Oglesby was arrested by law enforcement officers from the Georgia Forestry Commission on September 17, 2026. He is charged with Failure to Pay for Natural Products or Chatels (O.C.G.A. 16-9-58). The violation carries a penalty of no less than … Continue Reading →
SPECIAL GRANTS HELP RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS PLAN FOR WILDFIRE
Close to 30-thousand people in three southeast Georgia counties will soon be getting enhanced protection from wildfires. Special grants are being used to fund needed equipment and resources at seven fire departments hit hardest by last spring’s destructive fires. Brantley, Clinch, and Echols Counties will be given $15,000 each, for a total investment of $105,000. … Continue Reading →
NORTH GEORGIA BURN BAN TO BE LIFTED OCTOBER 1
The summer ban on outdoor burning in 54 northern Georgia counties will be lifted on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The annual restrictions are imposed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division from May 1 through the end of September to protect air quality from emissions that may increase ground level ozone during the hot summer months. … Continue Reading →
MACON MAN NAMED ASSOCIATE CHIEF OF FOREST MANAGEMENT
As the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) continues its work to protect and sustain Georgia’s forests, experienced leadership remains critical to that mission. Chris Howell brings 17 years of agency experience to his position as Associate Chief of Forest Management, effective June 1, 2026. “Chris brings a strong background in forest management and stewardship, along with … Continue Reading →
CARROLLTON MAN NAMED LEAD FOR FORESTRY’S PATH FORWARD
As Georgia’s forest industry positions itself for future growth, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is providing skilled support to lead the way. Ryan Phillips has been named Associate Chief of Markets and Innovation for GFC, effective June 1, 2026. “This is a newly established position,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, “and Ryan is … Continue Reading →
SOUTHERN GEORGIA BURNING RESTRICTIONS EASED
The State Forester Burn Ban in South Georgia has been amended, reducing the area to 17 counties. The original ban was implemented on April 22nd, covering 91 counties in southern Georgia where exceptional drought levels and increasing wildfire activity prompted emergency action. “Crews have made significant progress in containing the South Georgia wildfires,” said Georgia … Continue Reading →
GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION ANNOUNCES ANNUAL BAN ON OPEN BURNING
Beginning May 1, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The ban, which has been in place every summer since 2005, affects many of the counties in north and central Georgia (a full list is shown below). EPD’s open burning ban helps protect air quality … Continue Reading →
STATE FORESTER ISSUES BURN BAN FOR SOUTH GEORGIA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 22, 2026 Georgia’s extreme drought is worsening and the risk of wildfires is rising, especially in southern region of the state. As a result, Georgia’s State Forester today issued a ban on outdoor burning for 91 counties in the lower half of the state. “We need everyone to take this situation … Continue Reading →
