Gov. Kemp releases statement on wildfire conditions across the state

by Sydney Rainwater, Taylor Lewis

CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed that his office is working closely with the Georgia Fire Commission as wildfires spread across the state.

The governor posted this message to Facebook Tuesday afternoon:

This comes as the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County grows to 8,911 acres and remains 10% contained, according to updated information shared by the National Interagency Fire Center and local emergency officials on Tuesday.

Crews with the Georgia Forestry Commission remain actively engaged on the fire, working to contain it as drought conditions and difficult weather continue to fuel the flames.

The fire in Clinch County started just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, and quickly spread from only a few acres to thousands in just days.

Officials are urging residents not to burn yard debris, start outdoor fires or mow their lawns after 10 a.m. as over 98% of Georgia is in a drought rate.

Officials are asking people to stay away from the fire zone unless travel is necessary. The Georgia Forestry Commission says extra traffic and onlookers create safety risks and can slow emergency crews, aircraft and equipment.

Weather conditions are adding to the concern. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville says low humidity and breezy winds are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across parts of the region, helping fires spread faster.

Nelson added that weather and drought played a major role in the wildfire’s rapid growth. Over 98% of Georgia is in a drought rate right now, officials said. He also urged residents not to burn yard debris, start outdoor fires or mow their lawns after 10 a.m. during these conditions.

Officials continue asking residents to monitor emergency management pages for updates as crews work to gain control of wildfires in several Georgia counties.

Active wildfires in South Georgia, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission (April 21, 2026).

To check for wildfires and official guidelines in your area, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s site, where a map of Georgia shows active fires.

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