Illegal burns surge in Chatham County amid extreme drought conditions

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County fire officials warned residents Tuesday about the dangers of outdoor burning. This, as a burn ban for 91 Georgia counties remains in effect through May 22 and wildfires continue to burn across South Georgia.

Chatham County Fire Chief James Vickers said the county has responded to 40 to 50 illegal burn piles since the Georgia State Forester issued the burn ban on April 22. The department typically responds to four to five outdoor illegal burns per day, but that number jumped to 13 on Saturday.

“Very, very, very dangerous situation that we’re in,” Vickers said at a press conference Tuesday. “And we just need to get past this.”

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris, leaf piles, agricultural burns and prescribed burns. Recreational fires are not covered by the ban but must be attended at all times and kept at least 50 feet from structures or combustible materials.

Drought conditions worsen

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division issued a level one drought response declaration Monday, the first since 2016. Chatham County is under D3 drought conditions, classified as extreme drought.

Dennis Jones, director of the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency, said all public water systems are required to implement public information campaigns within three days. Landscape watering is allowed only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.

“Don’t leave tap water running when you brush your teeth, when you shave, when you wash your face,” Jones said.

Chatham County resources deployed to Brantley fire

Chatham County has deployed fire department resources to Brantley and Atkinson counties, where a wildfire has burned more than 22,000 acres with only 6% containment. More than 400 people are responding to the fire, which officials said is now a national-level response.

Jones said the fire has destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced families. Federal Emergency Management Agency response teams began arriving Saturday to assist with the effort.

“What’s unique about this event is they are responding in some areas and they’ve already started recovering in other areas,” Jones said. “So you’ve got a simultaneous response and recovery operation going on down there, which complicates the overall effort considerably.”

All Chatham County fire departments have sent resources to assist with firefighting efforts.

Air quality concerns

Dr. Chris Rustin, director of the Chatham County Health Department, said wildfire smoke can make anyone sick but poses particular risks for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diabetes, heart disease or chronic kidney disease. Pregnant women, children and first responders are also at higher risk.

Rustin recommended staying indoors when smoke is visible, limiting outdoor activities, running air conditioners on recirculation mode and staying hydrated.

Residents can monitor air quality in real time at airnow.gov, airgeorgia.org or outlooks.airfire.org.

Citations possible for violations

Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said officers will co-respond with fire crews to illegal burns and issue citations if necessary. Violations of county ordinance carry fines up to $500 and up to 30 days of jail time. State statute violations could result in felony charges depending on damage caused.

“That’s not our preferred method of operation,” Hadley said. “Be a good neighbor, be a good citizen.”

Residents who see illegal burns should call the non-emergency dispatch number at 912-652-6500.

Vickers said a fire three days ago spread to about half an acre to three-quarters of an acre after being left unattended. He urged residents to wait until the ban is lifted before burning yard debris.

“After that fire gets out of control and out of hand, you can’t take it back,” Vickers said.