Georgia Wildfires Force Evacuations, Destroy Homes Amid State of Emergency

Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in response to rapidly spreading wildfires across South Georgia that have destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundreds of evacuations.

The declaration came as fast-moving fires burned thousands of acres, with the Brantley County fire in southeast Georgia consuming approximately 5,000 acres and destroying about 50 homes, while nearly 1,000 additional homes remained under threat in the community of Waynesville.

Simultaneously, the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County had exploded to approximately 16,500 acres and was only 10% contained as of Wednesday night, spreading into nearby bays and swamps and prompting evacuations in Echols County.

According to the Georgia Forestry Association, at least 27,000 acres were burning across the region due to high winds and extreme drought conditions, which have created unpredictable fire behavior and challenged containment efforts.

Governor Kemp directed the Georgia Forestry Commission and other state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources, including activating the Georgia National Guard through the State of Emergency order, which allows for deployment of air assets and Guardsmen to affected areas.

The State of Emergency, which will remain in effect for 30 days unless renewed, also prohibits price gouging and enables the mobilization of state and federal resources, including Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations approved by FEMA for the Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 Wildfire in Brantley County.

In addition to the State of Emergency, Governor Kemp issued a State Forester’s Burn Ban Order for the same 91 counties, which prohibits prescribed burns, burning of yard debris, and agricultural material and will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended.

Officials urged residents to remain alert and prepare for immediate evacuation, noting that winds may shift rapidly and create unpredictable fire conditions, with Brantley County Sheriff Len Davis advising the public to stay ready to leave at a moment’s notice.