Current Wildfire Information and Resources

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/12/26

• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 90% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/9/26

• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 70% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

• Please continue avoiding active fire areas and fire equipment on roadways
• Keep drones out of wildfire airspace as aircraft are still actively working
• Use caution in areas where smoke way reduce visibility
• Continue following guidance from local officials and emergency personnel

While this recent stretch of lower wildfire activity is encouraging, Georgia is still experiencing drought conditions and wildfire danger remains elevated. One spark can still quickly become a wildfire.

📲 Stay informed:

• Wildfire updates and resources: https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and…/
• Active wildfire information: https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/

Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and supporting agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this wildfire response.

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/8/26

• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 66% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

⚠️ Safety Reminders:

• Please continue avoiding active fire areas
• Never fly drones near wildfires or firefighting aircraft 
• Use caution when driving in smoky areas
• Follow guidance from local officials and emergency personnel

📲 Stay informed:

• Wildfire updates and resources: https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and…/
• Active wildfire information: https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/

Beginning next week, wildfire updates will transition from daily reports to three updates per week.

Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and supporting agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this wildfire response.

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/7/26

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/6/26

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/5/26

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 3 new wildfires, burning 23.4 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 50% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,471 acres and 85% contained.

We’re seeing continued progress on containment, but both incidents remain active and crews are still working to secure and strengthen lines. We appreciate the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners across the state—and the support of Georgians doing their part to stay safe and prevent additional fires.

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/4/26

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 3 new wildfires, burning 23.4 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 44% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,471 acres and 75% contained.

We’re seeing continued progress on containment, but both incidents remain active and crews are still working to secure and strengthen lines. We appreciate the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners across the state—and the support of Georgians doing their part to stay safe and prevent additional fires.

🔥 Wildfire Update – 5/3/26

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 1 new wildfire, burning 0.1 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 44% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,532 acres and 64% contained.

We’re continuing to see progress, but both fires remain active and require ongoing response efforts. We appreciate the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners across the state—and the support of Georgians doing their part to stay safe and prevent additional fires.

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 10 new wildfires, burning 19.7 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now estimated at 32,331 acres and remains 10% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated at 20,933 acres and 6% contained. We did receive some rain on the fires yesterday. While it was not enough to put the fires out, it may help slow fire activity and give crews an opportunity to make progress.

Wildfire Update – 4/26/26

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 15 new wildfires, burning 21.96 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now estimated at 32,003 acres and remains 10% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated at 20,933 acres and 7% contained. With ongoing drought conditions and no significant rainfall in sight, wildfire activity remains elevated across Georgia.

Wildfire Update – 4/23/26

Today, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 31 new wildfires, burning 266 acres statewide. This does not include the Pineland Road Fire, now estimated at 31,307 acres and remains 10% contained, or the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated at 7,566 acres and remains 15% contained. With ongoing drought conditions and no significant rainfall in sight, wildfire activity remains elevated across Georgia.

🔥Wildfire Update – 4/22/26

Today, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded 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. With ongoing drought conditions and no significant rainfall in sight, wildfire activity remains elevated across Georgia.

• 5/12/26 – Governor Kemp Signs Executive Order Lifting Burn Ban and State of Emergency

• 5/5/26 – Southern Georgia Burning Restrictions Eased

• 4/30/26 – Georgia Environmental Protection Division Announces Annual Ban on Open Burning

• South Georgia 2026 Wildfire Response – Detailed list of GFC preparations for and resources on the South Georgia wildfires.

• 4/28/26 – Press Conference from Governor Brian Kemp:

• 4/24/26 – Press Conference from Governor Brian Kemp:

Update as of: May 12, 2026  Estimated size: 32,575 acres  Containment: 90% Cause: Stray spark from welding operation that fell to the forest floor, igniting surrounding vegetation.

Update: The Pineland Road Fire continues to burn in heavy southern rough fuels and bays in Clinch and Echols counties. As of May 11, 2026, the fire has burned 32,575 acres with 90% containment. Fuel conditions remain extremely dry, and the fire is resistant to control.

Crews are working to hold the fire within its strategic containment boundaries: north of Hwy 94, west of US 441, south of Thelma Headlight Rd, and east of Will Rewis Rd.

A total of 158 personnel and 47 resources are assigned to the incident, including engines, dozers, tractor-plows, aircraft, and overhead from PRI, State, and USFS cooperating agencies.

All divisions will continue mop-up and patrol operations. Mop-up operations will be completed to a depth of 100 feet. Continue to improve and repair containment lines. Road crews will also continue to make improvements and repairs to roads.

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: Monday, May 11, the morning fog quickly cleared to partly cloudy skies, but dry air and stability kept all shower activity south and east of the fires. Temperatures climbed into the low 90s as dry air mixed to the surface, dropping humidity to 40–45%. Winds remained light out of the west-northwest with sporadic afternoon gusts reaching 13 mph.

A disturbance arrives tonight, bringing cool, soggy conditions through Tuesday night. Rain chances taper off Wednesday morning as dry air moves into the area. A coastal trough may maintain light showers through Wednesday afternoon at the Highway 82 fire. A dry cold front will cross the fires on Thursday, leading to critically low humidity by Friday. Responders remain at risk due to fire moving quickly under wind and fuel-driven conditions, with a high KBDI approaching 700 and an exceptional D4 drought ongoing.

Threats & Impact:

• Clinch and Echols counties have lifted hard road closures; private roads (company and club roads) remain closed.
• The following roads are NOW OPEN to through traffic:
  • Echols County: Pineland Road, Gopher Lope Road, Register Road, Worth Lane, Joes Lane, New Barnes Road, Gaddis Road, King Road, Jesse Lane, May Lane, Chauncey Road, Hendley Road
  • Clinch County: Colon Road, Mud Camp Road, Mattox Ford Road, Headlight Road

• A total of 140 civilians have been affected, with no civilian fatalities, injuries, or missing persons reported. One responder injury/illness has been reported; no responder fatalities or missing persons.

Structures and lands at risk:

• 53 single residences and 35 other minor structures threatened within 72 hours (35 other minor structures destroyed); residences, outbuildings, hunting camps, commercial timber, and commercial bee operations threatened, particularly around Fruitland and Bamberg
• Critical infrastructure including transportation corridors, utilities, transmission lines, and railroad lines; widespread damage to industrial timber production has already occurred and is imminent

Smoke impacts expected in:

• Homerville
• Waycross

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 PHOTOS FROM GA NATIONAL GUARD

ACCESS PHOTOS FROM GFC

Update as of: May 9, 2026  Estimated size: 22,420 acres  Containment: 90% Cause: Mylar balloon that came into contact with a power line, resulting in an electrical arc that ignited surrounding vegetation, leading to the fire.

Current Situation: This fire started in Brantley County on 4/20/2026. On April 24, 2026, the Southern Area Team One Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire. As of May 8,2026, command of the Highway 82 Fire was transferred back to the Georgia Forestry Commission Type 3 Team. 

Crews will continue mop-up of the deep organic soils utilizing engines, heavy equipment, and sprinkler systems. Significant needle cast continues to drop across the fire, and crews will be clearing the containment lines. Crews will be patrolling all areas of the fire to identify and extinguish hot spots. Rehabilitation actions will continue on the north end of the fire to include erosion control, hazardous debris removal, and stabilization measures to reduce secondary damage, protect public safety, and support safe ingress and egress of residents.

Weather: A stalled warm front brings a humid airmass over the region fueling scattered thunderstorms starting around noon today. Winds will be west to southwest, but strong gusts and erratic outflows are possible around storms. Thunderstorms will continue through the night and are expected again Sunday afternoon. Fire activity will be moderated with the weather system that is passing but the region still remains in exceptional drought. Smoldering fire behavior will continue in the deep organic soils, and re-burn potential will remain a concern with the needle drop.

For the latest press releases, road closures, and evacuation information, please refer to updates from the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office. Their updates can be found here. The Southern Area Team One Incident Management Team established a Highway 82 Fire Facebook page.

Evacuation and Road Closures: 912.674.5878; 912.674.0195

Air Restrictions: As crews continue to work on the Highway 82 fire a Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire which is in effect 24/7. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t.

Media Resources: Media can access photos and videos from this ongoing wildfire using the link below.

ACCESS PHOTOS FROM GFC

4/24/26 Governor Kemp Press Conference Audio Files:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/11VMIUrD5OryZPRoSVqNRbXt6sQ0g9ZKC/view?usp=sharing
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TeBbFZEkkxsXKZoIU0UzU4HufS6GmrFm/view?usp=sharing

The support from local communities has been overwhelming in the best way, and we are deeply thankful for the generosity shown to those responding to the fires.

At this time, we ask that local donation efforts for the Pineland Road Fire be coordinated through local Emergency Management Agencies, local first responders, and community partners so resources can be distributed where they are needed most.

For Brantley County/Highway 82 Fire specifically:

The following locations are now accepting donations for local distribution at Brantley Gas, 114 Satilla Ave, Nahunta and H&S Car Haulers, 125 Industrial Park, Nahunta. A central distribution point is being established for managing all donations, and information will be shared as it becomes available.

The Georgia Forestry Foundation has established a Forest Wildfire Recovery Fund to provide direct, practical support to communities, forest landowners, and rural families impacted by wildfire and related disaster recovery needs. The Foundation will seed the fund with an initial investment of $10,000. Those interested in supporting the effort may donate online at www.gffgrow.org/wildfire-recovery.

Your support truly makes a difference. Thank you for standing with us.

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
• GA EPD’s Open Burning One-Pager
• Air Quality and Health | AirNow.gov

GENERAL TIPS –

• Stay alert and follow instructions 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.
• Do not fly drones near wildfires — they can ground firefighting aircraft.
• Keep a shovel and a fire extinguisher ready to use.
• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire.
• Do not use fireworks or anything that creates sparks.
• Dispose of cigarettes safely — never toss them outside.

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 – 

• In wildland areas, grinding and welding operations require a permit and 10-feet of clearance.
• 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.