Kemp declares emergency as South Georgia wildfires spread rapidly

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Wednesday due to the wildfires in South Georgia.

“With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread,” Kemp said in a news release. “My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities.”

The state of emergency applies to 91 Georgia counties and was issued for 30 days. Kemp also directed the Georgia Forestry Commission and other state agencies to use all available resources to fight the fires.

The state forester also issued a burn ban on Wednesday for the same 91 counties for 30 days. The burn ban prohibits prescribed burns and the burning of yard debris and agricultural material in the area.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture also announced Wednesday that 126 Georgia counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought, which opens up financial relief to farmers that meet the eligibility requirements.

A wildfire off of Pineland Road in Clinch County has covered around 16,000 acres forcing evacuations and is only 10% contained, according to WALB.

The state of emergency allows for the mobilization of the Georgia National Guard to assist with the response and prohibits price gouging.

“We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock,” Kemp said.