Two Historic Wildfires Burn Nearly 39,000 Acres Across South Georgia
Two massive wildfires in south Georgia have become the nation’s largest active blazes, with one setting a state record for building destruction.
WAYCROSS, GEORGIA — Two massive wildfires burning across south Georgia are currently the largest blazes being fought in the United States, with one now marking the most destructive wildfire in state history by buildings destroyed, Governor Brian Kemp announced Friday.
The Pineland Road fire in Clinch County and Highway 82 fire in Brantley County have collectively burned nearly 39,000 acres and destroyed more than 120 homes or buildings as of Friday afternoon, according to Kemp. The governor delivered the update during a press briefing at the Waycross-Ware County Airport after conducting an aerial survey of the damage.
Record-Breaking Destruction
The Highway 82 fire has destroyed 87 buildings and threatens an additional 800 structures, while the Pineland Road fire has claimed 35 homes or other structures with about 160 more buildings in harm’s way. The Highway 82 blaze now holds the unfortunate distinction of being Georgia’s most destructive wildfire in terms of buildings lost.
Both fires remain largely uncontained, with the Pineland Road fire only about 10% contained after burning over 31,000 acres and the Highway 82 fire approximately 15% contained across more than 7,500 acres.
Causes Under Investigation
Investigators believe the Pineland Road fire started from a spark created while someone was welding a gate, while the Highway 82 fire apparently began when a child’s party balloon landed on power lines, creating an electric arc.
Kemp described the situation as dangerous and volatile, urging nearby residents to keep their phones on and be ready to follow instructions from authorities immediately. The governor also warned people to stay off roads being used by fire equipment and not to fly drones near the fires, as they interfere with aerial firefighting operations.
Statewide Emergency Response
Earlier this week, Kemp issued a state of emergency for 91 Georgia counties, and the forestry commission instituted a burn ban for those same counties. The governor stressed the importance of residents obeying the ban and taking extra precautions such as safely disposing of cigarettes and ensuring nothing is dragging under vehicles that could create sparks.
Any fires sparked by negligence would pull firefighters away from working to contain the two major blazes, Kemp warned. He urged residents to maintain heightened awareness and report any suspicious activity or potential fire hazards to authorities immediately.
The ongoing fires represent a significant challenge for Georgia’s firefighting resources, with crews from multiple agencies working around the clock to protect lives and property across the affected regions.
