Georgia wildfires spreads across 30,000 acres: See which areas are at risk

The raging wildfires in southern Georgia have consumed hundreds of thousands of acres of land, razed scores of houses, and caused evacuations by the hundreds as smoke spreads over 200 miles north to the Atlanta metropolitan region.

The two biggest ongoing fires in Georgia are spreading unchecked due to extreme drought conditions, strong winds, and low humidity. 

The first fire on Pineland Road in Clinch County has spread to cover 30,000 acres of land, but remains only 10 percent contained. 

Another blaze in Brantley County that started at Highway 82 has consumed more than 4,400 acres of land.

Officials report that approximately 54 structures have been damaged or destroyed in Brantley County alone. More than 800 evacuations have taken place, with five shelters currently open.

Sheriff Len Davis warned residents to stay proactive and evacuate the areas immediately, as shifting wind patterns can change the fire’s direction unexpectedly.

County officials said, “This fire became a lot larger than we thought it would be.”

As a result, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, making further state and federal resources available, including aid from FEMA.

Additionally, for the first time in its history, the Georgia Forestry Commission has ordered a mandatory burn ban in 91 counties because open flames could start wildfires.

The smoke from the fires has traveled to other regions, including South Georgia. In Atlanta and its neighboring towns, residents have noticed smoky skies and a pungent smell of fire. Air quality in certain sections of southern Georgia has become unsafe.

High-risk locations are:

• Satilla River communities (Brantley County)
• Waynesville area (Brantly County)
• Highway 82 corridor (Brantley County)
• Clinch County

All 91 counties are under a burn ban (Southern Georgia)

There are no casualties recorded yet, and all first responders are safe. Nonetheless, experts caution that with continued dry weather conditions and no forecasted rain in the future, the risk of wildfires will not abate soon.