Widespread fires prompt burn bans, evacuation orders in Southeast Georgia
By Graham Cawthon
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SAVANNAH, Georgia (WJCL) — Heavy smoke hanging over parts of southeast Georgia on Tuesday served as a reminder of how dangerous fire conditions have become across the region.
According to Glynn County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, smoke seen in the area Tuesday was tied to a large brush fire in Brantley County and a separate 9,000-acre wildfire in Clinch County.
Tuesday afternoon, another wildfire was reported in Appling County, in the area of Zoar Road. Officials urged drivers to avoid the area.
“We ask that you pray for the brave men and women fighting this fire,” the Baxley-Appling County Chamber of Commerce posted on social media.
Those fires were in addition to a separate wildfire within the training area at Fort Stewart, though officials said there were no impacts to personnel or infrastructure.
Officials said the fires underscore the growing wildfire threat across southeast Georgia as dry conditions persist and rain remains out of the forecast.
Widespread threat
According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, crews responded to 46 new wildfires on Monday alone, burning 1,080 acres statewide.
This does not include the Clinch County fire, which has grown to an estimated 8,911 acres and was last said to be 10 percent contained.
Evacuation orders
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Brantley County brush fire led to road closures Tuesday afternoon, shutting down U.S. 82 and SR 110 “until further notice.”
By 3:30 p.m., the brush fire was estimated at 1,000 acres. Evacuation orders had been issued for multiple neighborhoods, including Warners Landing, Oaks Woodlands, Atkinson Road, Godberry Lane, Brushing Creek, Fort Mcintosh to Highway 520 on both sides of the road and Browntown Road and Hawks Landing.
Bulloch County enacts burning limits
In Bulloch County, commissioners approved an ordinance temporarily restricting the open burning of yard debris in unincorporated areas beginning Wednesday. County leaders said prolonged dry weather has increased the risk of wildfires and uncontrolled fires, threatening public safety, property and natural resources.
The ordinance prohibits residents from burning leaves, limbs, grass and other vegetative debris outdoors. Exceptions include controlled burns by government agencies or authorized personnel, cooking fires in approved grills or fire pits, and agricultural or forestry burns conducted under a valid Georgia Forestry Commission permit.
Violations in Bulloch County can bring penalties of up to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both. The ordinance will remain in place until drought conditions improve and county commissioners formally rescind it.
Garden City, Glynn County burn bans
Garden City also has issued a temporary burn ban, citing elevated fire danger, dry weather, low humidity and an increased risk of uncontrolled outdoor fires. The city’s order bans open burning of yard debris, trash, land-clearing burns, bonfires and recreational fires. Cooking fires are still allowed if they are attended and proper extinguishing equipment is available.
Glynn County officials said their burn ban also remains in effect and will continue for the foreseeable future because of persistently dry conditions and no expected rainfall over the next 10 days. Officials warned that even small, routine outdoor fires could quickly get out of control.
Under the Glynn County burn ban, all yard debris burning and the discharge of personal fireworks are strictly prohibited.
Officials across the region are urging residents to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, properly dispose of smoking materials and report fires immediately.
Governor speaks
On Tuesday evening, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp posted the following statement on his X account:
“My office and I are working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia.
If you are in a directly affected area, please adhere to guidance from your local officials to keep you and your family safe.”
South Carolina threat
Further north, the Palmetto State is currently under a statewide burn ban.
On Tuesday afternoon, the City of Hardeeville reported that a brush fire inside Hilton Head Lakes was causing smoky conditions and warned drivers to use caution in the area.
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