Georgia Fires
Check the Georgia fire map for up-to-date wildfire tracking. Monitor current and active fires in Georgia as conditions change. Find reliable fire data all in one place.
Daily Wildfire Report
Daily Wildfire Report for Georgia - June 22, 2026
Overview
Georgia is recovering from an exceptionally challenging spring fire season driven by extreme to exceptional drought conditions across the southern half of the state. The combination of prolonged dry spells, strong winds, and dense vegetation fueled significant blazes, making it one of the most destructive seasons in state history. While recent rainfall has helped stabilize the immediate threat, officials remain vigilant due to the lingering effects of the drought and deep-burning ground fires.
Current Situation
Fire Activity: Firefighting crews have successfully reached 100% containment on the major wildfires that burned over 54,000 acres combined across southern Georgia. Despite this milestone, the response requires ongoing monitoring. Because of the region's swampy terrain, organic soils and peat bogs continue to smolder as deep as three to five feet underground. Firefighters are actively patrolling these areas for persistent hot spots that remain difficult to fully extinguish.
Key Fires:
Pineland Road Fire: Located in southern Georgia across Clinch and Echols counties, this fire has burned 32,031 acres and is currently 100% contained. It was fueled by dry vegetation, timber, and difficult swampy terrain. The fire previously caused evacuations for the community of Fruitland. Crews continue to monitor the area for smoldering ground fuels and are managing persistent underground hot spots.
Highway 82 Fire: Burning near the coast in Brantley, Camden, Wayne, and Glynn counties, this fire reached 22,419 acres and is 100% contained. Fueled by dry vegetation, timber, fallen trees from past storms, and deep organic soils, it became the most destructive fire in state history, destroying over 130 structures. Firefighters from multiple agencies assisted in saving hundreds of other homes, and patrols remain in place to manage interior smoldering.
Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Summer Open Burn Ban is currently in effect from May 1 through September 30. This mandatory ban covers 54 counties, primarily in the northern half of the state, and prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris to protect air quality. Additionally, emergency burn bans remain in place in several southern counties to prevent new wildfire starts amid the ongoing recovery efforts.
Air Quality: Smoke from smoldering interior pockets and underground peat fires may continue to impact local air quality, particularly near the Okefenokee Swamp and southern timberlands. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay aware of shifting wind patterns that could bring smoke into their communities.
Weather and Wind Warnings
Current Weather: Scattered thunderstorms and light rain are moving across parts of central and southern Georgia today, accompanied by high humidity levels (ranging from 70% to 90%), which are aiding in keeping fire behavior low.
Forecasted Weather: While recent rains have mitigated immediate threats, the National Weather Service advises that periodic dry fronts can quickly elevate fire risks. Forecasts for the next 72 hours show a mix of partly sunny days and scattered thunderstorms. Residents should remain alert for any localized Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, which occur when low relative humidity (less than 25%) and gusty winds combine to create critical fire weather conditions.
Recommendations
Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of persistent smoke and smoldering hot spots in previously burned areas. Please avoid roads around the fire perimeters where equipment, trucks, and personnel continue to position and reposition. It is crucial to heed all local burn bans and use extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could create a spark.
Resource Allocation: Local, state, and federal agencies, including the Georgia Forestry Commission, continue to collaborate on suppression repair and monitoring. Agencies are maintaining patrols to ensure containment lines hold against deep-seated underground fires.
Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Georgia Forestry Commission: gatrees.org
Georgia Emergency Management Agency: gema.georgia.gov
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.