Christina Edwards

Some good news from South Georgia:

🔥Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/8/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to NO NEW WILDFIRES statewide — the first zero-fire day Georgia has seen since December.

This is encouraging progress, but we are still in a drought, and wildfire danger remains elevated across much of the state. It only takes one spark to put us right back into extreme fire activity.

Current large fire status:
• The Pineland Rd Fire has burned 32,575 acres and is 66% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres and is now 90% contained

Both fires remain active, and crews continue working to strengthen containment lines and monitor conditions.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue avoiding active fire areas
➡️ 🚁 Never fly drones near wildfires or firefighting aircraft
➡️ Use caution when driving in smoky areas
➡️ Follow guidance from local officials and emergency personnel

📲 Stay informed:
• Active wildfire information: https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/
• Wildfire updates and resources: https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/

Beginning next week, wildfire updates will transition from daily reports to three updates per week.

Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and supporting agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this wildfire response.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

Thursday, May 7 Drought Update: Yes, the rain finally arrived in late April... but it was only enough to prevent the drought from worsening. Compared to last week, there has been no change to the drought conditions across the state of Georgia.

As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain fell since yesterday evening. We still need another 12 inches to end the drought in North Georgia/Metro Atlanta.

To put it into perspective, we will need another 3 to 6 more of these soaking rain events to end the drought.