Explosive wildfire activity in Georgia and across the Southeast last week has destroyed dozens of homes and sent people fleeing as drought conditions show no signs of improving anytime soon.
As AccuWeather reports, Georgia remains under a state of emergency with a historic burn ban covering 91 counties in the southern part of the state. Fires have consumed thousands of acres amid exceptional drought, hot conditions and low humidity. Over the past week, firefighters responded to over 100 new wildfire starts, not including larger ongoing fires. “This is an all hands on deck situation,” Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Director Johnny Sabo said.
GFC Update & Safety Reminders
On Sunday, the Georgia Forestry Commission posted this update:
Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 15 new wildfires, burning 21.96 acres statewide.
This does not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, now estimated at 32,003 acres and 10% contained
• 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.
Safety Reminders:
If you do not need to be in or near an active fire area, please stay out
No drones — flying drones near wildfires is illegal and can ground firefighting aircraft
Use caution on roadways where smoke may be present
Follow all instructions from local officials, including road closures and any potential evacuations
We know these fires are impacting communities across Georgia, and we are thinking of those facing uncertainty and loss. Please continue to follow guidance from local officials—your safety is the top priority.
We’re grateful for the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly, and for the strong support from our local, state, and federal partners and communities.
Stay informed:
https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and…/
Dense Smoke Advisory In Place
Due to the wildfire smoke in Georgia and northern Florida, a dense smoke advisory is in place for Brantley, Wayne, Clinch and Echols counties in southern Georgia.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Dense Smoke Advisory is issued when wildfire smoke reduces surface visibility to a mile or less, creating hazardous driving conditions. Often synonymous with “smoke hazard” or “reduced visibility warning,” these advisories mean smoke is settling to ground level, creating dangerous driving and poor air quality, typically triggering air quality alerts (AQI 151+).
Health officials in South Carolina and North Carolina have issued air quality alerts on Friday for areas in upstate South Carolina and for the North Carolina counties of Rowan, Mecklenburg and Cabarrus.
When will the Southeast wildfire danger end?
AccuWeather forecasters are warning of a prolonged and dangerous wildfire season ahead with between 65,000 and 80,000 fires and 5.5 million to 8 million acres burned across the U.S. in 2026.
In the Southeast, summer thunderstorm activity and tropical moisture will help reduce wildfire risk. All of the Southeast is under some level of drought – with the worst areas being the Florida panhandle and Georgia – and worsening conditions are still expected, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The first meaningful rain in weeks is forecast to fall across parts of the Southeast, but AccuWeather meteorologists warn it won’t be enough to put a significant dent in the drought. “There is little rain in the forecast across many of the areas where fires are burning. Fire risk in the Southeast will remain elevated until meaningful rainfall returns,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.
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