Georgia drought raises wildfire threat as crews respond to over 50 weekend fires

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia remains locked in drought conditions statewide as fire crews have responded to 52 wildfires between Saturday and Sunday, according to the Georgia Forestry Association.

Officials warned that dry vegetation and gusty winds could quickly turn small flames into fast-moving wildfires.

All 159 counties are now in some level of drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. It reported that about two-thirds of the state was in extreme drought or worse.

The Georgia Forestry Commission said the combination of dry fuels and wind has created dangerous wildfire conditions across the state.

Georgia Forestry Commission officials said statewide drought makes it harder to position resources where they are most needed because fires can ignite anywhere.

Wendy Burnett, a spokesperson for the commission, said crews were working long hours and urged residents to take precautions to prevent fires from starting.

“We’re working. We’re ready. We’re prepared, and we’re in the trenches. We’re getting it done, but we need the public’s help,” Burnett said.

In White County, officials said the Buzzard Mountain fire, which burned for days in the north Georgia mountains, was fully contained as of Monday. Crews remained on site to watch for flare-ups.

White County Assistant Fire Chief Seth Weaver said shifting terrain can dramatically change wind conditions and fire behavior, even when it seems calm at ground level.

“At the command post, the wind was blowing probably four to five miles an hour,” Weaver said. “But up on the ridge, it was sustained at 25 and gusting to 30, 35 miles an hour.”

Weaver said once a wildfire starts, conditions can change quickly.

“It seems like when you have a wildfire going, it creates its own weather,” he said.

He also described how rapidly fire can spread in steep terrain, saying that when crews reached a recent fire within minutes, it had already moved a significant distance.

“By the time we got the call and got units on scene within six to eight minutes, it had done spread 300 yards up a ridge,” Weaver said.

A spokesperson for Gov. Brian Kemp said the state was working with agencies to respond to worsening drought conditions.

“Our office is actively working with the Georgia Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Division of DNR to determine the best course of action for the state to help communities impacted by drought conditions,” the spokesperson said.

Even with rain in the forecast, officials said meaningful rainfall would be needed to reduce fire danger. In the meantime, they urged Georgians to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to stay alert for fire weather warnings.

The Georgia Forestry wants you to avoid parking or driving on dry grass, use outdoor equipment carefully, never leave fire unattended, and follow all burn restrictions and guidance.