A series of devastating wildfires tearing across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida have burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed over 143 structures, and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. The blazes, fueled by the worst drought conditions in 25 years, have prompted a state of emergency across 91 Georgia counties and multiple federal disaster declarations.
How the Crisis Unfolded
The fires erupted in mid-April 2026 as extreme drought gripped the southeastern United States. The Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties, Georgia, quickly grew into the largest blaze, scorching more than 32,000 acres with only 10% containment. Investigators traced its origin to sparks from welding operations. Meanwhile, the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County — ignited when an aluminum-coated balloon contacted a power transmission line — burned over 9,000 acres and destroyed at least 54 homes, threatening roughly 1,000 more.
In Florida, firefighters battled more than 130 wildfires across the state's northern half, including the Railroad Complex Fire and the Cow Creek Fire south of Bronson. A volunteer firefighter lost his life after suffering a medical emergency while battling a brush fire in northern Florida.
Scale of Destruction
Together, the Georgia and Florida fires have destroyed more than 143 structures, including at least 87 homes. Thousands of residents were placed under mandatory evacuation orders across multiple counties. Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties on April 22, and burn bans were enacted across 38 Florida counties. FEMA issued Fire Management Assistance declarations for the Cow Creek Fire and Railroad Complex Fire in Florida, and the Highway 82 and Pineland Road fires in Georgia.
Humanitarian Response
The American Red Cross has deployed disaster workers across the affected region, opening and supporting emergency shelters for displaced families. Red Cross volunteers are providing safe shelter, meals, and comfort to evacuees as the fires continue to spread.
FEMA has issued Fire Management Assistance declarations for multiple fires in both states, unlocking federal resources to support firefighting efforts and emergency response operations.
The Salvation Army of Georgia has deployed feeding units to Brantley County, providing meals, snacks, and hydration to emergency responders battling the blazes on the front lines.
Direct Relief is providing medical supplies and emergency health resources to communities affected by the wildfires, supporting local health facilities overwhelmed by the crisis.
Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is coordinating donations and relief efforts among partner organizations to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
How You Can Help
The Georgia & Florida Wildfires disaster page on the Relief Directory provides direct links to donate to organizations actively responding on the ground. With drought conditions persisting and fires still burning, continued support is critical to help affected families and first responders.
