Gov. Kemp Declares State of Emergency in Response to South Georgia Wildfires

Governor Brian P. Kemp today declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties in response to the ongoing wildfires in South Georgia. The governor also directed the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and other relevant state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to assist with active response efforts in the southern region of the state. The State of Emergency, found here, will remain in effect for 30 days, unless otherwise renewed.

“With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state, and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities. We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock.”

The State of Emergency is in addition to the State Forester’s Burn Ban Order issued earlier today for the same 91 counties. The burn ban will remain in effect for 30 days, unless otherwise extended, and prohibits, among other activities, prescribed burns as well as the burning of yard debris and agricultural material in the affected area.

The State of Emergency allows for the Georgia Department of Defense to mobilize Georgia National Guard troops and resources for response and recovery efforts. Air assets and Guardsmen are being activated and deployed to the affected areas.

Among other provisions, the State of Emergency order also prohibits price gouging.

State Action and Response:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations for the Pineland Road Fire burning in Clinch and Echols Counties and the Highway 82 Wildfire burning in Brantley County. A federal Incident Management Team (IMT) is also being called up to assist with response.

All relevant state agencies are assisting with ongoing response efforts, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is providing three helicopters with fire suppression capabilities; a D6 Dozer and operator for debris removal; two Type 2 Water Engines and four team members; and ten Game Wardens to assist with evacuations, GFC investigations, and clearing burned structures and debris. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is providing three helicopters to support wildfire response efforts. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is assisting with livestock relocation in impacted areas.

Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Guidance:

For current wildfire information and emergency updates, visit gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/.

A live-time map of the active fires and response can be found here.

GFC will provide ongoing updates via its website and social media accounts. Residents are encouraged to heed directives and information from their local authorities and Emergency Management departments.