CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. — A burn ban was issued for all of South Georgia, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), and Governor Brian Kemp has issued a State of Emergency.

The Pineland Road Fire started just before 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and since has burned 16,516 acres. The fire is currently 10% contained.

The fire is expected to continue growing over the next 72 hours, challenging containment efforts. Anticipated containment is projected by May 31.

Fire creating its own patterns

Scott Griffin, president and CEO of Superior Pine Products Company, said the fire is creating conditions rarely seen in his more than 40 years fighting wildfires.

Griffin said fires of this size can create their own weather and wind patterns, making containment extremely difficult. The fire is jumping fire lanes and spotting, he said, with firefighters working around the clock to control it.

The fire has been spotting ahead of the main fire line, creating new fires that require additional fire breaks. The blaze has crossed toward the Suwannochee River near the Clinch and Echols County line.

Steven Spradley, a liaison and information officer with the Georgia Forestry Incident Management Team, said firefighters have been on the fire 24 hours a day since it began this weekend. The last few nights have brought extreme fire behavior similar to daytime conditions, he said.

Rain needed to slow spread

Over 98% of Georgia is experiencing drought conditions. The drought index, which ranges from zero to 800, is in the 600 to 700 range in the affected area, fire officials said.

Spradley said the area has not had substantial rain for quite some time. Rain is the only thing that will slow down the conditions firefighters are experiencing in South Georgia, he said.

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville stated low relative humidity and breezy winds are creating dangerous fire weather conditions across the region.

Clinch County EMA Director Andrew Nelson said changing winds could quickly shift conditions.

Everyday activities can spark fires

Spradley said normal day-to-day activities can start wildfires in these drought conditions. Parking on the side of the highway where a muffler could ignite dry grass, mowing yards or throwing cigarettes out windows can all start wildfires in current conditions, he said.

Griffin urged residents to avoid any activity that could create a spark. No burning or welding should occur anywhere near grass or timberland, he said.

Officials are asking people to stay away from the fire zone unless travel is necessary. The Georgia Forestry Commission said extra traffic and onlookers create safety risks and can slow emergency crews, aircraft and equipment.

Flying drones over or near the wildfire is illegal and dangerous. If a drone is spotted, firefighting aircraft may be forced to stop operations.

Griffin asked residents to be respectful of firefighters they see on the roads. Firefighters are under stress and away from their families while trying to contain the fire as quickly as possible, he said.

To check for wildfires and official guidelines in your area, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s site, where a map of Georgia shows active fires.

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