Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in 91 counties as wildfires rage across South Georgia. More than 27,000 acres of wildfires are burning across the region, according to the Georgia Forestry Association, as most of the state experiences drought conditions.
One fire, the Brantley Highway 82 fire, has prompted evacuation orders. Officials say 54 homes have been destroyed. That fire was previously 75% contained, but rapidly spread and intensified. By Wednesday afternoon, it had reached around 5,000 acres and was just 10% contained, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Brantley County has set up shelter sites for displaced residents.
The Pinelands Road fire in Clinch County, near the Florida border, began over the weekend and has since spread across more than 16,000 acres. It is also just 10% contained.
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