Georgia & Florida Wildfires

Overview

Beginning around April 18, 2026, a series of fast-moving wildfires erupted across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida amid the worst drought conditions in 25 years. The largest blazes — the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties (over 32,000 acres) and the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County (over 9,000 acres) — together destroyed more than 143 structures including at least 87 homes. In Florida, firefighters battled over 130 wildfires including the Railroad Complex Fire and the Cow Creek Fire south of Bronson. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 counties on April 22, and FEMA issued Fire Management Assistance declarations for multiple fires in both states. A volunteer firefighter died while battling a brush fire in northern Florida. The Highway 82 Fire was sparked by an aluminum-coated balloon contacting a power line, while the Pineland Road Fire was linked to welding operations. Thousands of residents were placed under mandatory evacuation orders, with the American Red Cross opening emergency shelters. The Salvation Army deployed feeding units to support first responders in Brantley County, and Direct Relief provided medical supplies to affected communities. Burn bans were enacted across 38 Florida counties as extreme fire behavior continued near the Georgia-Florida border.