GFB News Magazine
Forest fires scorch Georgia
by Jennifer Whittaker
GFB News Editor
Posted on May 31, 2026 7:21 PM
Drought conditions have resulted in Georgia having an above-average number of wildfires so far this year. This is the Pineland Road fire that burned about 32,000 acres in Clinch and Echols counties. /Photo courtesy of Georgia Forestry Commission
As of May 27, Georgia has had 2,882 forest fires statewide in 2026 that have burned 27,408 acres, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) reports. That’s 73.34% above the five-year average of 1,663 fires and 155.45% above the five-year average of 10,729 acres. These statistics do not include the two major fires in Southeast Georgia media have covered extensively.
The Pineland Road fire in Clinch and Echols counties, which began April 18 on private timberland in Clinch County when a spark from welding equipment fell to the forest floor igniting surrounding vegetation. The fire spread into western Echols County on April 22. As of May 19, this fire had burned 32,031 acres and was 95% contained by May 27 per the GFC.
At its peak on April 29, the Pineland Road fire response included 272 personnel - 212 from Georgia and other states’ agencies, 30 federal and 30 personnel employed by landowners, the GFC reported.
A GFC investigation shows the Highway 82 fire started April 20, when a Mylar balloon landed on a power line in Brantley County creating an electrical arc that ignited surrounding vegetation. According to the GFC, the fire never left Brantley County but spread close enough to Glynn and Wayne counties to warrant evacuations. As of May 19, this fire had burned 22,419 acres and was expected to be 95% contained by May 28 per the GFC.
At its peak on April 30, the HWY 82 fire response included 632 personnel - 188 from Georgia and other states’ agencies, 305 federal and 139 private personnel of landowners, the GFC reported. This fire affected 4,000 people through evacuations and property damage, including 110 destroyed homes, according to the GFC.
Fire fighters from 37 states helped fight the Pineland Road and Hwy. 82 fires with Alaska being the farthest state that sent fire fighters per the GFC. Ten large airtankers, eight Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 3 helicopter and 2 air attack platforms were used to fight both fires.
On April 22, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency (SOE) in 91 Georgia counties in response to wildfires from central to south Georgia. Kemp directed the GFC and other relevant state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to assist with active response efforts in the southern region of the state.
The GFC issued a burn ban for these same 91 Georgia counties April 22, that was reduced to 17 Southeast Georgia counties near the Pineland Road and HWY 82 fires on May 5. The revised ban was lifted May 12.
Rain throughout May helped contain both major Southeast Georgia fires.
Follow local & state burn bans
All Georgians should be aware of local burn ban ordinances for their county. Questions about local conditions and burn permits should be directed to the county’s GFC office or fire marshal. Visit https://gatrees.org for more information about safe burning and GFC services.
On May 1 the Georgia Environmental Division implemented its annual burn restrictions in 54 North Georgia counties. These restrictions, in effect until Oct. 1, protect air quality in the summer when ozone levels may create health concerns.
Agricultural burns, classified as Burn Types 2 & 3, are allowed in the 54 counties with EPD restrictions and the rest of Georgia, but burners must notify the GFC. Prescribed burns are not permitted in the 19 metro Atlanta counties, but Burn Types 2,3,5,6,10 and 12 are allowed. For more information about the burn types the EPD & GFC recognizes, visit www.gfb.ag/GAburnbanrules.