GAForestryCommission

🔥 Update: South Georgia Burn Restrictions Eased Governor Kemp has issued an executive order easing outdoor burning restrictions in parts of South Georgia. While this is a step in the right direction, burning is still restricted in 17 South Georgia counties, as shown on the map below. These areas continue to face extreme drought and elevated wildfire risk. ⚠️ What to know: ➡️ Some counties are now allowed to resume limited outdoor burning ➡️ Others remain under restrictions due to ongoing fire danger ➡️ Conditions can change quickly—always check before you burn Even where restrictions have been eased, extreme caution is still critical. Dry conditions remain across much of the state, and it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. 📲 Get the full details + see if your county is affected: gatrees.org/southern-georg… We appreciate everyone doing their part to help reduce wildfire risk across Georgia. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #GeorgiaForestry #WildfireSafety #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/5/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 10 new wildfires, burning 13.19 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, holding at 32,575 acres and now 50% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, holding at 22,471 acres and now 85% contained Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged to secure lines and prevent any flare-ups. ⚠️ Stay Safe: ➡️ Continue to avoid fire areas—operations are still underway ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones grounded—aircraft need clear airspace ➡️ Stay alert for smoke impacts, especially while traveling ➡️ Follow guidance from local officials as conditions evolve Even with strong progress, these fires are not out, and conditions can still change. 📲 Stay informed: • Wildfire information and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ We’re grateful for the continued dedication of firefighters, first responders, and partners—and for the support of communities across Georgia. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

We couldn't let #InternationalFirefightersDay pass without recognizing our awesome wildland firefighters ... today and every day, we appreciate your service!

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/4/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 3 new wildfires, burning a combined 23.4 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, holding at 32,575 acres and 44% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,471 acres and 75% contained We’re seeing continued progress on containment, but both incidents remain active and crews are still working to secure and strengthen lines. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Stay clear of fire areas—crews and equipment are still actively working ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones grounded—air operations rely on clear airspace ➡️ Be cautious when driving through smoky areas ➡️ Stay connected to local updates for any changes in conditions or access Even with improving containment, conditions remain dry and wildfire risk is still present. 📲 Stay informed: • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ We’re grateful for the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners—and for the support of communities across Georgia. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Wildfire prevention tip: Fireworks may be part of the celebration—but in dry conditions, they can quickly become the start of a wildfire. ⚠️ Before you light anything: ➡️ Check local restrictions and burn bans ➡️ Avoid use during dry or windy conditions ➡️ Never use fireworks near dry grass or wooded areas One spark can travel farther than you think. One Less Spark. One Less Wildfire. #WildfirePrevention #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/3/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 1 new wildfire, burning 0.1 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, holding at 32,575 acres and 44% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,532 acres and 64% contained We’re continuing to see progress, but both fires remain active and require ongoing response efforts. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Give crews space—avoid active fire areas whenever possible ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones grounded—aircraft need clear airspace to operate ➡️ Stay alert when traveling near smoke and reduced visibility ➡️ Follow updates from local officials for any changes in conditions Even with improving conditions, wildfire risk remains elevated in many areas. 📲 Stay informed: • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Current wildfire activity: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ We’re grateful for the continued efforts of firefighters, first responders, and partners—and for the support of communities across Georgia. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/2/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 4 new wildfires, burning 1.22 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 44% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,532 acres and 45% contained 🌧️ A bit of good news: We’re receiving some helpful rain on the fires today. It won’t put them out, but it will slow fire activity and give crews a chance to make progress—shifting from defense to offense, and hopefully allowing for some much-needed rest. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Continue to avoid active fire areas so crews can work safely ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones grounded—air operations depend on clear airspace ➡️ Be cautious on roads where smoke may reduce visibility ➡️ Stay tuned to local alerts for any updates or changes in conditions Even with rain, these fires remain active and conditions can change quickly. 📲 Stay informed: • Fire information and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Current wildfire activity: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ We’re grateful for the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners across Georgia—and for the support of communities doing their part. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Wildfire prevention tip: A cigarette that isn’t fully extinguished can ignite dry grass in seconds. ⚠️ Be responsible: ➡️ Never toss cigarettes from a vehicle ➡️ Fully extinguish before disposing ➡️ Use proper containers—not the ground It only takes one. One Less Spark. One Less Wildfire. #WildfirePrevention #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Wildfire prevention tip: In these conditions, debris burning can quickly get out of control. ⚠️ Know before you burn: ➡️ Follow all burn bans and local restrictions ➡️ Avoid burning during dry or windy conditions ➡️ Never leave a fire unattended Right now, the safest choice may be to not burn at all. One Less Spark. One Less Wildfire. #WildfirePrevention #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 They Keep Showing Up • 892 wildland firefighters • 70,538+ hours worked since April 18 • 35 states represented Behind every number is someone working long hours, in extreme conditions, doing everything they can to protect lives, homes, and Georgia’s forests. Wildland firefighting is physically demanding, strategic, and often dangerous work. Crews rotate in and out to stay rested and safe, and every decision on the fireline is made with one priority: protecting lives first. We’ve seen fire behavior in these incidents that pushes the limits of what’s possible—including flames reaching heights no person could safely withstand. Even in those moments, our wildland firefighters continue to do everything they can to hold the line and protect surrounding areas. This work isn’t always visible from the outside—but it is constant, it is coordinated, and it is critical. To every wildland firefighter, every crew, every partner agency—thank you. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #GeorgiaForestry #WildfireResponse

Highway 82 Fire – Cause Information We’ve seen questions about the cause of the Highway 82 Fire, and we understand why it may seem unexpected. The Georgia Forestry Commission conducts thorough wildfire investigations, and in this case, our investigators have clear evidence that the fire was caused by a Mylar balloon coming into contact with a power line, creating an electrical arc that ignited surrounding vegetation. While this may sound unusual, it is a well-documented type of ignition that has occurred in other areas of the country and conditions. Because this remains an active investigation while the fire is ongoing, we are not able to release investigative materials at this time. We encourage those who are interested to learn more about how these types of incidents can occur. Understanding wildfire causes is an important part of prevention. Our focus remains on supporting the ongoing response and protecting communities. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 8 new wildfires, burning 54.64 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 40% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,532 acres and 37% contained (Acreage has been slightly reduced due to more accurate mapping.) Containment continues to improve on both fires, but they remain active and require ongoing response efforts. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Keep a safe distance from active fire areas so crews can operate effectively ➡️ 🚁 Do not fly drones—aircraft must have clear airspace ➡️ Be mindful of smoke impacts, especially when traveling ➡️ Stay alert for updates from local officials, including any changes to access or safety conditions Conditions remain dry, and wildfire risk is still elevated across much of the state. 📲 Stay informed: • View active wildfire activity: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Fire information and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… We appreciate the continued efforts of firefighters, first responders, and partners across Georgia—and the cooperation of communities helping us stay safe. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

You may not see it—but it’s there. A dragging chain can throw sparks along the roadway—and those sparks can ignite a wildfire. It happens fast. And it spreads even faster. ⚠️ Before you drive: ➡️ Check that chains are secured and not dragging ➡️ Inspect trailers and equipment before hitting the road ➡️ Fix it before it becomes a fire A simple check can prevent a serious wildfire. One Less Spark. One Less Wildfire. #WildfireSafety #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 2 new wildfires, burning 26.4 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, now at 32,367 acres and 38% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,600 acres and 33% contained Containment is increasing, but both fires remain active and crews continue working to strengthen lines and secure the perimeter. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Stay clear of active fire areas—equipment and crews need room to operate ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones grounded—aircraft must have clear airspace ➡️ Be prepared for smoke impacts, especially along roadways ➡️ Stay connected to local alerts for any changes in conditions or access Progress is being made, but conditions can shift quickly. 📲 For updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… We appreciate the continued efforts of firefighters, first responders, and partners across the state—and the support of communities doing their part to stay safe and prevent additional fires. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🚫 The annual EPD summer burn ban begins May 1 for 54 counties, primarily around metro Atlanta, and runs through October 1. This seasonal ban is separate from current wildfire restrictions. 🔗 epd.georgia.gov/press-releases… #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

It doesn’t take much. All it takes is one hot surface, one spark, or one careless moment. Dry grass can ignite in seconds—often without you even realizing it. ⚠️ Be mindful: ➡️ Avoid parking or driving over dry grass ➡️ Keep hot equipment away from vegetation ➡️ Stay aware of conditions—everything is more flammable right now One small action can start a wildfire. One small decision can prevent one. One Less Spark. One Less Wildfire. #WildfireSafety #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Georgia’s wildfire response didn’t start when the fires did. We’ve been preparing for over a year—and that work is driving an aggressive response today. There’s still a long road ahead, and communities are feeling the impact. 📖 gatrees.org/inside-georgia… #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

Firewise Tip: Protection doesn’t stop at your front door. Wildfire safety extends beyond your home—your entire property plays a role. Think beyond the structure: ➡️ Tree spacing and density ➡️ Dead or overgrown vegetation ➡️ Fuel buildup across your property What you can do: ➡️ Thin out dense vegetation ➡️ Remove dead trees and brush ➡️ Maintain a safer, more open landscape Creating space across your property helps slow fire and protect what matters most. 🎥 Watch how to build a Firewise property from the ground up. 🔗 Learn more: gatrees.org/fire-preventio… #Firewise #WildfirePreparedness #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Firewise Tip: The first 5 feet matters most. The area closest to your home—your foundation zone—is critical in stopping wildfire spread. What to look for: ➡️ Mulch, pine straw, or debris against your home ➡️ Plants or shrubs touching structures ➡️ Anything that can easily ignite near your foundation What you can do: ➡️ Clear combustible materials away from your home ➡️ Keep the first few feet around your house clean and open ➡️ Choose fire-resistant landscaping when possible This small zone can make a big difference in protecting your home. 🎥 Watch how to strengthen your home’s first line of defense. 🔗 Learn more: gatrees.org/fire-preventio… #Firewise #WildfirePreparedness #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 8 new wildfires, burning 2.8 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, now at 32,569 acres and 23% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,600 acres and 32% contained Both fires remain active, and crews continue working to strengthen containment lines and make progress. ⚠️ Stay Aware and Stay Safe: ➡️ Keep your distance from active fire areas so crews can operate safely ➡️ 🚁 Do not fly drones—aircraft need clear airspace to respond ➡️ Use extra caution when driving near smoke or reduced visibility ➡️ Monitor local alerts for any updates on road closures or evacuations Even as progress is made, conditions can change quickly. 📲 For the latest updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… We appreciate the continued work of firefighters, first responders, and partners across the state—and the support of Georgians doing their part to stay safe and prevent additional fires. Every call, every acre, and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark