Blog by: Johnny Sabo, GFC Director
In anticipation of elevated wildfire risk following Hurricane Helene and ongoing drought conditions, the Georgia Forestry Commission has spent the past several years strengthening wildfire preparedness, prevention, mitigation, detection, and response capabilities across the state. Through strategic planning, operational enhancements, technology investments, workforce development, public outreach, and strong legislative support, GFC has taken aggressive steps to prepare for large and complex wildfire activity.
As we continue to battle wildfires in South Georgia, we review the steps we’ve taken to mitigate the effects of fire. An enormous amount of preparation has taken place, both internally and externally, in recent years.
Inside the GFC, we successfully reestablished a Type 3 Incident Management Team in 2023. This national team that responds to all-hazards incidents across the US has 35 qualified members in GFC and a growing trainee pool. It has served on several out-of-state and in-state assignments, including Hurricane Helene and western wildfires. Our rangers and foresters cleared more than 4,000 miles of forest roads and more than 37,000 acres of downed debris after Hurricane Helene. To further reduce hazardous fuels across the state, GFC annually plows 11,000 miles of pre-suppression firebreaks and prescribe-burns 1.4 million acres.
GFC’s Forest Management team helped forest landowners improve their property by facilitating cost-share programs for site prep, invasive species control, and timber stand improvement on 617,000 acres. They’ve worked side by side with contractors, state and federal partners, and numerous private organizations to ensure communities are equipped to take effective wildfire prevention steps. Students and educators alike have been reached through targeted education programs and special events featuring Smokey Bear. GFC’s PR team has also worked to share these messages on social media as well as through traditional media outlets.
Externally, Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly have made historic investments in Georgia’s wildland firefighting capabilities, significantly strengthening the Georgia Forestry Commission’s ability to respond to large and complex wildfires. Through substantial increases in firefighter compensation, equipment modernization, expanded aviation resources, and advanced interoperable communications systems, these investments have directly enhanced firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and statewide response capacity. New tractors, an additional fire suppression helicopter, and upgraded communications infrastructure are all actively supporting suppression efforts in the South Georgia wildfires today.
We’re proud of the work our team has done to prepare for wildfire emergencies across the state. You can view a detailed breakdown in the South Georgia 2026 Wildfire Response, or visit https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/ for the latest fire updates and resources. Each step has supported our agency’s ability to deliver when we’re needed most.
Fighting fires. Protecting Forests. Serving Georgia.