Multiple wildfires in southeast Georgia have destroyed more than 50 structures and threatened at least 1,000 properties, with smoke reaching Atlanta roughly 260 miles away. The largest blaze, the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County, has burned about 29,000 acres and is around 10% contained. The Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County grew rapidly to roughly 5,000 acres and is 15% contained; a third blaze near Jacksonville has added heavy smoke. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, schools closed, and the state of emergency was declared as reinforcements arrive from Florida.
South Georgia Wildfires Destroy Homes, Force Mass Evacuations as Smoke Reaches Atlanta
Smoke rises over U.S. Route 82, as a wildfire continues to burn across Brantley County, in Lulaton, Georgia, U.S., April 23, 2026. REUTERS/Octavio Jones
More than 50 homes and other structures were destroyed this week as several fast-moving wildfires tore through rural southeast Georgia, threatening at least 1,000 additional properties and sending smoke and haze as far north as Atlanta, roughly 260 miles (418 km) away.
Hundreds of firefighters from about 20 Georgia departments were working Thursday to contain flames burning through drought-dry pine stands and scrubland dotted with small neighborhoods, fruit farms and livestock near the Georgia-Florida state line. One firefighter was reported injured; as of Thursday no civilian injuries or fatalities had been reported, officials said.
Major Fires and Local Impact
Pineland Road Fire (Clinch County): Ignited in mid-April, the blaze had scorched about 29,000 acres of primarily timber pine stands and was roughly 10% contained, the Georgia Forestry Commission said.
Highway 82 Fire (Brantley County): First reported on Monday, this fire surged from about 700 acres on Tuesday morning to roughly 5,000 acres by Wednesday night. It has destroyed homes and threatened others and was reported 15% contained.
Railroad Fire (near Jacksonville, Florida): About 4,000 acres and producing heavy smoke that added to a haze across central and eastern Georgia.
Evacuations, Closures and Response
Hundreds of residents were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders and local schools were closed at least through Friday. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. Florida officials said they would deploy personnel from the Florida National Guard along with firefighting equipment to assist local crews.
I will be very honest with you. It's a miracle that we have not had any lives lost,
— Brantley County manager Joey Cason, describing the rapid growth of the Highway 82 Fire and concerns about afternoon winds fanning flames across drought-parched forests.
Outlook
Fire crews continued to battle the blazes amid concerns about shifting winds and dry fuels. Containment efforts, mutual aid and National Guard support aim to limit further spread and protect communities, but officials warned the situation remained volatile until wetter conditions arrive.
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