Kemp: Georgia dealing with 2 largest, most problematic wildfires in the country

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — State officials believe they know what caused two wildfires devastating south Georgia.

Gov. Brian Kemp and other state officials on Friday said it’s believed the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties was caused by someone welding their gate, and the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County was caused by an aluminum party balloon hitting a power line. Investigators are still looking into the causes.

Kemp spoke after he surveyed damage from the Highway 82 Fire, which has destroyed dozens of homes and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

Kemp said that fire and Pineland Road Fire are the two largest and most problematic wildfires in the country.

He said there have not been any deaths in the wildfires.

After touring damage and speaking with crews, the governor addressed the stakes.

“One house is just a slab, the other was saved because they did everything they could do to save it,” Kemp said.

Kemp said crews will be fighting the fires for several more days.

Georgia Forestry Commissioner Johnny Sabo said over 500 staff members are actively fighting the fires.

First Lady Marty Kemp urged Georgians to pray for the firefighters and affected families, and specifically for rain.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Brantley County wildfire only 15% contained as dozens of homes destroyed

On Wednesday, Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties in response to the fires, which have flared up as a drought parches the state. The declaration prohibits price gouging and allows for the Georgia Department of Defense to mobilize Georgia National Guard troops for response and recovery.

See a live Georgia wildfire map from the Georgia Forestry Commission:

Most of south and middle Georgia is also under a burn ban issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Although the worst of the effects are in south Georgia, north Georgia is seeing impacts as well. Wildfires flared up in DeKalb and Haralson counties on Thursday, and Cobb and Cherokee counties have imposed their own burn bans.

Metro Atlanta’s air quality has also dropped as smoke drifts across the state. It reached an “unhealthy” level on the Air Quality Index on Wednesday, meaning everyone could start to feel the effects, not just sensitive groups.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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