April 2026 Wildfires

For current wildfire information and emergency updates, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website.

A live-time map of the active fires and response is also available for checking local fire conditions.

GFC will provide ongoing updates via its website and social media accounts. Residents are encouraged to heed directives and information from their local authorities and Emergency Management Agencies.

To report wildfires, call your local GFC office or 911.

Wildfire Safety

1. Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
   1. Avoid roads around the fire where equipment, trucks, and personnel continue to position and reposition to safely and aggressively fight the fire.
2. Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so. 
   1. Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters or check open locations on the FEMA app. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app for a list of open Red Cross shelters in your area.
   2. Consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them where you may be safer and more comfortable.
3. If trapped, call 9-1-1 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
4. Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure to smoke by doing the following:
   1. Choose a room to close off from outside air and set up a portable air cleaner or filter to keep the air in this room clean even when it’s smoky in the rest of the building and outdoors.
   2. Use high efficiency filters in your central air conditioning system to capture fine particles from smoke. If your system has fresh air intake, set the system to “recirculate” mode and close the outdoor intake damper.
   3. If you are not ordered to evacuate but smoky conditions exist, stay inside in a safe location or go to a community building where smoke levels are lower.
5. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible.

General Tips

• Do not fly drones near wildfires — they can ground firefighting aircraft.
• Keep a shovel and a fire extinguisher ready to use.
• Do not use fireworks or anything that creates sparks.
• Dispose of cigarettes safely — never toss them outside.
• Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that you won’t even see.
• In wildland areas, grinding and welding operations require a permit and 10-feet of clearance.
• Mow before 10AM, but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weedeaters and mowers.

State of Emergency

Governor Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties in response to the ongoing wildfires in South Georgia today. The governor also directed the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and other relevant state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to assist with active response efforts in the southern region of the state. 

Burn Ban

The Georgia Forestry Commission has issued a Burn Ban Order that covers 91 counties. Current wildfire locations are showed on this map as well. Please refrain from burning outdoors. Follow all local guidance and restrictions and be extremely cautious with anything that could create a spark.

Donations

Brantley County

All physical donations for the Brantley County Wildfires are being rerouted to an off-site donation center at the Brunswick Exchange Club Fairgrounds for sorting and cataloging. As the donation hubs get low on items, we will pull from that location. The daily hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm. The contact number for the drop-off site is 912-203-9053 if you would like to schedule your delivery. The address is 101 Emory Dawnson Road, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.

Citizens who have been affected by the wildfires can continue to pick up from Brantley County Family Connection 10305 Main Street North, Nahunta, 31553, Sunday – Monday from 8 am to 5 pm.

First Responder donations are to be dropped off at the EMS Training Room on the side of the Head Start building located at 470 Bryan Street, Nahunta, 31553, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Monetary donations can be mailed to Brantley County Family Connection at PO Box 1011, Nahunta, Georgia 31553, dropped off at Brantley County Family Connection at 10305 Main Street, North Nahunta, 31553, or made online or via the PayPal app. Monetary donations can also be made through the Georgia VOAD. When donating, select either the American Red Cross or Salvation Army and note that the contribution is for Brantley County.

Georgia Forestry Foundation

The Georgia Forestry Foundation has established a Forest Wildfire Recovery Fund to provide direct, practical support to communities, forest landowners, and rural families impacted by wildfire and related disaster recovery needs. The Foundation will seed the fund with an initial investment of $10,000. Those interested in supporting the effort may donate online at www.gffgrow.org/wildfire-recovery.

Georgia Chamber Foundation

• Donate to Wildfire Recovery - Georgia Chamber Foundation
• All proceeds go directly toward local relief and recovery efforts, working in close coordination with local governments, emergency management agencies, and state partners
• The Georgia Chamber Foundation focuses on:
  • Supporting communities and small businesses
  • Filling immediate gaps during response and recovery
  • Partnering with trusted local and state emergency agencies to ensure funds are used where they are needed most
• This approach allows resources to move quickly, responsibly, and with accountability—helping Georgia communities recover and rebuild stronger
• Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Second Harvest of South Georgia

• Working with Clinch and Echols County EMAs to act as a central donation hub for wildfire relief
• Requested items include hydration drinks, electrolyte powders, individually wrapped snacks, bug spray, eye drops and body cleansing hygiene wipes
• A drop-off site will be open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at 1836 Piedmont Place, Valdosta, GA 31601
• Monetary donations can also be made by texting WILDFIRE to (229) 592-4172