Georgia Governor Declares Emergency as Wildfires Rage Across 91 Counties
Governor Brian Kemp activates National Guard as massive wildfires burn across drought-stricken southern Georgia counties.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Wednesday for 91 counties in southern Georgia as two major wildfires continue to spread amid extreme drought conditions. The declaration came after the Georgia Forestry Commission issued its first-ever mandatory burn ban across the same counties.
The emergency order allows Kemp to mobilize Georgia National Guard troops to assist with firefighting response and recovery efforts. One fire in Clinch County had already consumed more than 16,500 acres as of Wednesday, with only 105 acres contained.
“With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread,” Kemp said in a statement Wednesday.
Drought Conditions Fuel Fire Spread
The combination of severe drought and low humidity has created dangerous conditions for rapid fire growth. Officials expect the blazes to continue expanding and generate hazy conditions across the state through at least Saturday.
The Georgia Forestry Commission’s unprecedented mandatory burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities in the 91 affected counties in the lower half of the state. The commission cited the extreme fire danger posed by current weather conditions.
Agriculture Disaster Declaration Issued
Separately, the Georgia Department of Agriculture issued a disaster declaration for 126 counties experiencing drought conditions. The declaration will allow farm operators in those areas to apply for Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance.
“Extreme drought conditions are impacting thousands of farm families across our state – causing even more uncertainty and driving up costs on the farm at a critical time,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
The agricultural disaster affects a broader area than the wildfire emergency, covering counties throughout Georgia where farmers are struggling with water shortages and crop stress. The timing comes during a critical planting and growing season for many agricultural operations.
Emergency Response Mobilized
State forestry crews are working alongside local fire departments to combat the wildfires, with additional resources being coordinated through the emergency declaration. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is providing support and monitoring fire conditions across affected areas.
Air quality concerns are mounting as smoke from the fires drifts across much of the state. Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activities and monitor local air quality reports.
The current wildfire activity has already exceeded Georgia’s typical five-year average for this time of year, according to state officials. Weather forecasters are not predicting significant rainfall in the immediate future, which could help contain the blazes.
