GAForestryCommission

🔥 If the fire is contained, why are firefighters still working? The answer: mop-up. Hidden heat can smolder underground for days or weeks, especially in peat and swamp systems, creating the risk of reignition. Learn why this phase matters: gatrees.org/after-the-flam… #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/14/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 1 new wildfire that burned 1.5 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and remains 90% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained Both large fires remain active, with crews continuing mop-up operations, monitoring hotspots, and working to ensure the fires stay within containment lines. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please continue to stay out of active fire areas and respect any road closures or restricted access points ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations—aircraft may still be working in affected areas ➡️ Use caution when traveling near fire zones, especially where smoke may impact visibility ➡️ Even with improving conditions, wildfire prevention remains critical—one spark can still start a fire 📲 Stay informed: • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Wildfire updates, safety information, and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… We remain grateful to the firefighters, pilots, dispatchers, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing this work through the final stages of these incidents. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🌲 Congratulations to Ryan Phillips, named the Georgia Forestry Commission’s first Associate Chief of Markets and Innovation. In this new role, he’ll help strengthen Georgia’s forest economy, foster innovation, and develop new opportunities for the forest sector. 📖 gatrees.org/carrollton-man…

As wildfire conditions improve, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted in all counties. 🔗 Executive Order: gatrees.org/resources/exec… This is welcome progress—and a testament to the incredible work of wildland firefighters, first responders, and partner agencies who have worked around the clock over the past several weeks. ⚠️ A few important reminders: ➡️ While the State Forester’s wildfire burn ban has been lifted, some counties may still have local burn restrictions or ordinances in place. Always check with local officials before conducting outdoor burning. ➡️ The Georgia EPD summer burn ban is still in effect for 54 counties, primarily in and around metro Atlanta, through October 1. That seasonal restriction remains in place regardless of current wildfire conditions. ➡️ Even with improved conditions, parts of Georgia remain dry, and wildfire risk has not disappeared. It still only takes one spark to start a wildfire. We’re grateful for the progress being made—and for every Georgian who helped by taking precautions, following restrictions, and supporting wildfire response efforts. For current wildfire updates, safety information, and resources, visit: 🔗 gatrees.org/current-wildfi… Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #GeorgiaForestry #WildfireSafety #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/12/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 2 new wildfires that burned 0.3 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 90% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained Containment continues to improve, but both fires remain active and crews are still working in affected areas. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please continue to avoid active fire areas unless absolutely necessary ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations and firefighting aircraft ➡️ Use extra caution on roadways where smoke or fire equipment may be present ➡️ Follow all directions from local officials, including road closures and access restrictions 📍 Road closure information has been updated on our wildfire information and resources page. Even with progress, drought conditions continue to keep wildfire danger elevated in parts of Georgia. Prevention still matters. 📲 Stay informed: • Wildfire updates, road closures, and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ Thank you to the firefighters, pilots, dispatchers, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing this important work. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

✈️ Meet one of Georgia Forestry Commission’s SEATs — our Single Engine Air Tankers. These aircraft are a critical tool in Georgia’s wildfire response, helping crews slow fire spread and support firefighters on the ground during active wildfires. 🔥 Fun Facts About Our SEATs: 💧 Each aircraft can carry 500 gallons of water/suppressant ⏱️ They can be refilled in approximately 2.5 minutes 🚁 Drop speed is around 110 MPH 🌲 Drops are typically made about 90 feet above the ground — or 60–70 feet above the tallest obstacles in forested areas To make water drops more effective, we add an environmentally friendly suppressant called BlazeTamer to the water mixture. Our SEATs operate from airports across Georgia and are often supported by local fire departments helping refill aircraft between missions. During wildfire operations, another aircraft is usually overhead serving as “Air Attack” — coordinating aircraft, communicating with firefighters on the ground, and helping ensure drops are accurate and effective. Wildfire response takes teamwork from the ground to the air — and these aircraft play an important role in protecting lives, property, and Georgia’s forests. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #GeorgiaForestry #WildfireResponse #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #SEAT #Aviation

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible moms out there — and a special thank you to the mothers of our wildland firefighters and first responders. Thank you for the love, strength, encouragement, and sacrifice behind the scenes. Your support helps make this work possible, especially during long days and difficult wildfire seasons. Today, we celebrate you. 💚 #MothersDay #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/10/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to no new wildfires statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 87% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained We’re continuing to see strong progress on both fires, but crews are still actively working to secure containment lines, monitor hotspots, and respond to changing conditions. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please continue to stay out of active fire areas unless necessary ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations and firefighting aircraft ➡️ Use caution when traveling through smoky areas or around fire equipment ➡️ Follow all directions from local officials and emergency personnel Although recent wildfire activity has slowed, drought conditions remain in parts of Georgia and wildfire risk has not gone away. Continued prevention efforts are critical. 📲 Stay informed: • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing to protect Georgia communities and forests. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/9/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to no new wildfires statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 70% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please continue avoiding active fire areas and fire equipment on roadways ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones out of wildfire airspace—aircraft are still actively working ➡️ Use caution in areas where smoke may reduce visibility ➡️ Continue following guidance from local officials and emergency personnel While this recent stretch of lower wildfire activity is encouraging, Georgia is still experiencing drought conditions and wildfire danger remains elevated. One spark can still quickly become a wildfire. 📲 Stay informed: • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, local responders, and supporting agencies continuing this work every day. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/8/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to NO NEW WILDFIRES statewide — the first zero-fire day Georgia has seen since December. This is encouraging progress, but we are still in a drought, and wildfire danger remains elevated across much of the state. It only takes one spark to put us right back into extreme fire activity. Current large fire status: • The Pineland Rd Fire has burned 32,575 acres and is 66% contained • The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres and is now 90% contained Both fires remain active, and crews continue working to strengthen containment lines and monitor conditions. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please continue avoiding active fire areas ➡️ 🚁 Never fly drones near wildfires or firefighting aircraft ➡️ Use caution when driving in smoky areas ➡️ Follow guidance from local officials and emergency personnel 📲 Stay informed: • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… Beginning next week, wildfire updates will transition from daily reports to three updates per week. Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and supporting agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this wildfire response. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/7/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 6 new wildfires that burned 5.01 acres statewide. This does not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 66% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 85% contained (Acreage was adjusted slightly due to more accurate mapping.) Crews continue making progress on both fires, but suppression and mop-up operations remain active. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Stay out of active fire areas unless absolutely necessary ➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfires—aircraft are still actively operating ➡️ Watch for smoke on roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours ➡️ Continue following directions from local officials and emergency personnel While recent weather has helped, wildfire danger has not disappeared. Conditions remain dry across much of the state. 📲 Stay informed: • Active wildfire information: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ • Wildfire updates and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, law enforcement officers, emergency managers, and partners continuing to support these response efforts across Georgia. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/6/26) Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 12 new wildfires that burned 42.7 acres statewide. These numbers do not include: • The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 65% contained • The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,471 acres and remains 85% contained Containment continues to improve, but both fires remain active and crews are still working to strengthen and secure containment lines. ⚠️ Safety Reminders: ➡️ Please stay clear of active fire areas unless you live or work there ➡️ 🚁 Never fly drones near wildfires—firefighting aircraft must have clear airspace ➡️ Slow down and use caution in areas where smoke may impact visibility ➡️ Continue following guidance from local officials and emergency personnel Even with recent progress, drought conditions continue to keep wildfire danger elevated across parts of Georgia. 📲 Stay informed: • Wildfire information and resources: gatrees.org/current-wildfi… • Current wildfire activity: georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/ We’re thankful for the continued dedication of firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, law enforcement, emergency managers, and all of our partners helping protect Georgia communities. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia. #WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

🔥 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