Current Wildfire Information and Resources

Due to worsening drought conditions and rising wildfire activity, Georgia’s State Forester has issued a mandatory ban on outdoor burning for 91 counties in the lower half of the state.

• That a temporary ban on the burning of any woods, lands, marshes, refuse, or other combustible materials shall go into effect in the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Harris, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, McDuffie, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Peach, Pierce, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Screven, Schley, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, Worth.
• This is the first mandatory burn ban in Georgia Forestry Commission history.
• The ban is effective immediately and will remain in place for at least 30 days.
• This means NO prescribed burns, burning yard debris, or agricultural burning.
• Follow all local guidance and restrictions, be extremely cautious with anything that could create a spark.
• Click here to read the full administrative order.

• Gov. Kemp Declares State of Emergency in Response to South Georgia Wildfires | Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor
• STATE FORESTER ISSUES BURN BAN FOR SOUTH GEORGIA

Update as of: April 22, 2026  Estimated size: 16,516 acres  Containment: 10% Cause: Undetermined

Update: The Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County is approximately 16,516 acres and is 10% contained. 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. Crews continue to establish and strengthen fire lines including newly identified spot fires. Improving fire lines to allow engine access to begin mop up continues to be a priority. The combination of extremely low humidity [low 20% range], a high KBDI [approaching 700], and exceptional drought [D4] is contributing to high resistance to containment

There are 89 personnel currently assigned to the Pineland Road Fire. Equipment resources include wildland engines, water tenders, and dozers. The roadways in and around the fire can become easily congested due to the increase in personnel and fire vehicles. Fire Management also reminds the public to please stay out of the fire area while fire crews work.

Air Restrictions: As crews continue to work on the Pineland Road fire a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR -6/4665) remains in place over the fire which is in effect 24/7. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t.

Weather: The fire is located in a D4 exceptional drought area. Temperatures are increasing with RH values remaining consistently low in the mid 20% range. Fire behavior for tomorrow is expected to be extreme with short range spotting with potential for long range spotting. Group torching and wind driven runs are expected. · Smoke is expected to impact Valdosta, Homerville, Lake Park, Statenville, and Fargo.

For evacuation information and updates, please contact your local county EMA office:

• Clinch County EMA  – Andrew Nelson – 912.487.3700
• Echols County EMA –  Allen Levesque – 229.559.6538

This fire started in Clinch County on 4/18/2026. Media can access photos and videos from this ongoing wildfire using the link below.

ACCESS THE GOOGLE DRIVE FOLDER

Update as of: April 22, 2026  Estimated size: 5,000 acres  Containment: 15% Cause: Undetermined

Current Situation: The Highway 82 Fire has burned 5,000 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.

Conditions & Challenges: The region is experiencing exceptional drought (D4), very low humidity (below 20%), and high fire danger indicators. Fire activity is expected to remain active to extreme, with continued spread over the next several days. Swamps and heavy southern rough fuels make access for crews and equipment challenging.

Threats & Impact: 48 homes have been lost, and an estimated 1,000 homes are currently threatened. Crews are continuously conducting damage assessments. Key risks include residential properties and outbuildings, commercial infrastructure, and hunting camps and bee operations

Public Safety: Please pay attention to and heed directives and information from your local authorities and Emergency Management. Avoid roads around the fire where equipment, trucks, and personnel continue to position and reposition to safely and aggressively fight the fire.

Outlook: The fire is expected to continue growing over the next 72 hours, challenging containment lines.

This fire started in Brantley County on 4/20/26. Media can access photos and videos from this ongoing wildfire using the link below.

ACCESS THE GOOGLE DRIVE FOLDER

SMOKE –

• Wildfires | US EPA
• Access the US EPA’s full Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires.
• US EPA’s Guide for Reducing Smoke Exposure (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke or Ash  (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Large Animals & Livestock from Wildfire Smoke (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Yourself from Smoke and Extreme Heat
• US EPA’s Guide for Protecting Yourself from Ash (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Creating a Clean Room at Home (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide to Indoor Air Filtration (Click here for Spanish version)
• US EPA’s Guide for Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke

GENERAL TIPS –

• Pay attention and heed directives and information from your local authorities and Emergency Management.
• Avoid roads around the fire where equipment, trucks, and personnel continue to position and reposition to safely and aggressively fight the fire.
• Keep a shovel and a fire extinguisher ready to use.
• In wildland areas, grinding and welding operations require a permit and 10-feet of clearance.
• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire.

VEHICLE SAFETY – 

• Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that you won’t even see – until it’s too late!
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground.
• Practice safe towing. Dragging chains throw sparks. Use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains.
• Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY – 

• Mow before 10AM, but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• Lawnmowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass.
• Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires.
• In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weedeaters and mowers.
• Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup.
• Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top it off.
• Keep soil disturbance to a minimum.