Everything you need to know about the raging wildfires in south Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two of the largest wildfires in the state — and across the United States — are raging in south Georgia.

Thousands of acres have burned, and hundreds of homes have been destroyed.

Where are the wildfires in south Georgia?

One of the wildfires is in Clinch County. That fire started on Pineland Road on April 18.

The second is in Brantley County, which started on Highway 82. The fire started on April 20.

How damaging have the wildfires in Georgia been?

As of May 1, both wildfires have covered over 50,000 acres.

In Clinch County, the Pineland Road wildfire has burned 32,575 acres. Currently, 40% of that fire is contained.

An estimated 22,532 acres have been burned because of the Brantley County wildfire. That fire is 37% contained.

Hundreds of homes have been destroyed because of the wildfires.

What caused the wildfires in Georgia?

The Clinch County wildfire is believed to have been caused by someone welding on their gate, which eventually ignited nearby vegetation.

The Brantley County wildfire is believed to have been caused by a balloon hitting a power line.

Along with the believed causes, drought conditions across the Peach State have also added fuel to the fires.

How has the state responded to the wildfires?

Along with sending resources to battle the blazes, the state issued a mandatory burn ban for all of south Georgia and most of middle Georgia.

Because of the drought, the state has declared a Level 1 drought response.

While the least severe of the state’s tiered drought response, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has directed that all public water systems “must implement a public information campaign including, at a minimum, notice regarding drought conditions and drought-specific announcements in one or more of the following ways: newspaper or online ads, bill inserts, social media, and notices in public libraries,” the division said in a press release.

The second level starts to limit water use, and the third further expands limitations.

Can people give donations to those affected by the south Georgia wildfires?

Yes.

In Brantley County, the following locations are taking donations for local distribution:

• Brantley Gas, 114 Satilla Ave.
• H&S Car Haulers, 125 Industrial Park

In Clinch County, the Georgia Forestry Commission asks that donations are “coordinated through local Emergency Management Agencies, local first responders, and community partners so resources can be distributed where they are needed most‚“ the agency’s website states.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates on the ongoing wildfires.