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MAYDAY, Ga. (WALB) - In unincorporated parts of Echols County, residents are doing what they can to prevent floating embers from igniting on their properties.

Because of the extreme drought conditions in the county and the large number of downed trees left over from Hurricane Helene, one rouge ember could send a property up in flames with plenty of fuel to keep it going.

John Peagler, a Mayday resident, said he has been using a sprinkler to try and keep his property moist. His home runs off a shallow well, and if powerlines are impacted by the nearby fire, he will be defenseless.

The low humidity is also giving embers the chance to start small fires, rather than fizzle out. Peagler has a trailer backed up to his home, just in case.

Fire crews would either have to drive 10-15 minutes to Statenville for water, or pump from ponds or creeks. Many of the creeks and ponds are dry or low because of the drought.

This would add more complications to an already difficult firefighting operation. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) said the fire continues to burn in the bays and swamps which are hard to reach, also increasing the difficulty of suppressing the fire.

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GFC reported there are 99 personnel currently assigned to the Pineland Road Fire, using wildland engines, water tenders and dozers to try and stop the blaze.

As of 11 a.m. on Thursday, no homes have been lost, but 158 structures are threatened.

The Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County started just before 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and is also affecting Echols County. Anticipated containment is projected by May 31, officials said Wednesday, April 22.

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