Georgia wildfire explodes in size to over 5,000 acres, destroying nearly 50 homes as evacuations continue
GEORGIA – A widespread, exceptional drought has set the stage for a surge of wildfires across Georgia, with more than 90 fires igniting this week alone as crews race to contain fast-moving blazes that have already forced evacuations and shuttered schools.
The Pineland Road and Brantley County fires have both grown substantially as dry winds continue to challenge firefighters, leaving containment heavily limited on both fronts.
Brantley County Manager Joey Cason tells FOX Weather that 5,000 acres have now burned with the fire 10% contained. The fire spread from 700 acres on Tuesday at 11am to 5,000 acres on Wednesday.
47 homes/dwellings have been destroyed so far, with 6-10 pets lost in the fires.
Around 120 people have been evacuated, and depending on wind conditions on Thursday, that number may increase.
"If the wind comes out of the East, it will jump the river and we could lose thousands of acres," Cason told FOX Weather.
This week, across a three-day span from April 18 to April 20, the Georgia Forestry Commission said it responded to 98 wildfires that burned thousands of acres amid favorable fire weather conditions.
According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Pineland Rd. Fire that began on private timberland on April 18 is still burning in Clinch and Echols counties, has now grown to an estimated 16,000 acres and remains 10% contained.
That said, along with the gusting winds, the low humidity has also helped ignite areas in the drought-ridden Peach State, with 98.1% of Georgia’s land area under moderate to exceptional drought.
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Emergency officials have urged residents near the growing wildfire to evacuate the area, with Georgia Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security issuing mandatory evacuations for vulnerable areas.
"My office and I are working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia. If you are in a directly affected area, please adhere to guidance from your local officials to keep you and your family safe," Gov. Brian Kemp said on Facebook.
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In response to the threatening blaze, Brantley County Public Schools announced the closure of all county schools on Wednesday amid the "ongoing crisis."
"We know that many in our community have been directly affected, including some who have experienced the loss of their homes," Brantley County Public Schools wrote in a Facebook post.
On Tuesday, the school district took precautionary measures and evacuated two elementary schools out of caution due to the nearby fire.
The National Weather Service office in Jacksonville warned of elevated fire danger across southeastern Georgia, urging residents to avoid open flames and sparks, keep vehicles off dry grass and properly discard cigarettes.
With little to no rain expected over the next 10 days in Georgia, drought conditions are likely to persist—keeping the threat of dangerous fire weather firmly in place.
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