Georgia declares state of emergency as wildfires destroy dozens of homes

Wildfires in Georgia have burned more than 39,500 acres and destroyed more than 120 homes, officials have said. Two major fires in the south-east of the state – the Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 fire – prompted Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to declare a 30-day state of emergency in 91 of the state's 159 counties. "Right now conditions are so dry that even one small spark can quickly turn into a dangerous wildfire," Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo said in a video statement. Emergency officials are also battling a range of smaller blazes, reporting 32 new wildfires that consumed 50 acres on Saturday. "We are in extreme drought conditions, and wildfire activity has already surpassed our five year average," Sabo added. The fires began sprouting up on 18 April and Kemp declared a state of emergency four days later. A foil balloon that came into contact with a power line is believed to have sparked the Highway 82 fire, which has consumed about 7,500 acres so far, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The blaze was about 10% contained, they said. A stray spark from a welding operation is believed to be the source of the Pineland Road Fire which has sco

Apr 25, 2026 → Apr 27, 2026