A forest fire with flames burning through dense green trees, producing thick smoke that spreads across the area. The fire is visible in several spots among the trees, with smoke rising and partially obscuring the view.

Residents on or near Will Rewis Road and Chauncey Road in Echols County have been ordered to leave their homes immediately as a wildfire moves closer. A shelter is now open nearby.

What’s Happening: The Echols County Emergency Management Agency has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents on or near Will Rewis Road and Chauncey Road. The fire has crossed Register Road and is still moving.

Where to Go: An emergency shelter is open at Venture of Faith Camp, located at 1309 GA Highway 135 S in Lake Park. Anyone who has been evacuated or does not feel safe at home is welcome.

What to Bring: If time allows, take the following:

  • Medications and important documents
  • Clothing, personal items, and bedding or pillows
  • Items for children, including formula, diapers, and comfort items

Pets: Pets are welcome at the shelter but will be kept in a separate area from their owners.

The Path Forward: As recently as Monday, residents in this area were only asked to be ready to leave. The shift to a mandatory order signals the fire has moved significantly closer. Residents should keep monitoring alerts from the Echols County Emergency Management Agency as conditions continue to change.

Graduation-themed image featuring a black graduation cap with a gold tassel, a rolled diploma tied with a navy blue ribbon, and a stack of books. One book prominently displayed is titled "Principles Are Like Pants, You Ought to Have Some... And Other Life Lessons" by B.T. Clark, with a cartoon illustration of a smiling man pointing at pants hanging in a closet. Text on the image reads: "Now that you've got the CAP and GOWN, maybe get some pants." A banner below states: "THE PERFECT GRADUATION GIFT - A hilarious look at life that every graduate will love!" Gold confetti is scattered throughout the image.
B.T. Clark
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B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.

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