An extended spell of dry weather has led to major wildfires in South Georgia, prompting Gov. Brian Kemp to declare a state of emergency covering more than half the state. Kemp’s order on Wednesday covers 91 of Georgia’s 159 counties. It will be in effect for 30 days and includes a ban on burning yard […]
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Georgia bans outdoor burning across 91 counties as wildfires ravage state
Georgia’s top forestry official has issued the first mandatory outdoor burning ban in state history, covering 91 counties across the lower half of the state as a deepening drought pushes wildfire risk to dangerous levels. What’s Happening: State Forester Johnny Sabo signed the order Wednesday, putting it into effect immediately. It covers counties below metro […]
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What is all the smoke in Columbia County today?
The smoke Columbia County residents are seeing and smelling Wednesday is not from a local fire. It is drifting north from active wildfires burning in Brantley County and Clinch County in South Georgia, Columbia County Fire Rescue said. What’s Happening: Wind and weather conditions are pushing smoke from those South Georgia fires into Columbia County. […]
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High fire danger across North Fulton as wildfires rage through Georgia
Dry, breezy weather is making it dangerously easy for fires to start and spread across North Fulton County through 8 p.m. Wednesday. What’s happening: The Roswell Fire Department says low humidity, dry fuels, and wind are creating high fire danger conditions that will last through this evening. Fires can ignite quickly and move fast under […]
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Smoke from Pinelands Road fire drifts into Bulloch County
Residents in Bulloch County can smell smoke Wednesday as a fire burning on Pinelands Road to the south, pushed by wind and worsened by drought, sends hazy air across the area. What’s Happening: Bulloch County Public Safety and Emergency Management says wind is carrying smoke from the Pinelands Road fire into the county. Ongoing drought […]
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Wildfire smoke will make driving dangerous in Glynn County tonight
Smoke from two active wildfires in neighboring counties is expected to drop close to the ground in Glynn County after 8 p.m. Wednesday, making driving on US Highway 82 and nearby roads potentially dangerous. What’s Happening: A large, fast-moving wildfire is burning near Highway 82/520 in Brantley County. A separate fire has scorched 9,000 acres […]
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Smoke over Hazlehurst is coming from fires in other counties
The smoke hanging over Hazlehurst, Denton, and Jeff Davis County on Wednesday is drifting in from active fires burning in Brantley and Clinch counties, EMA Director and Fire Chief Charles Wasdin said. What’s Happening: A few fires are still smoldering inside Jeff Davis County, but Wasdin said the smoke residents are seeing does not necessarily […]
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Wildfire closes roads in Brantley County
A large wildfire in the Atkinson Community of Brantley County has forced the closure of three roads Wednesday evening, the Georgia Department of Public Safety said. What’s Happening: The fire is burning on both sides of GA 520 / U.S. 82 and on both sides of GA 110. Three road closures are in effect: What’s […]
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Atlanta police arrest 40 at downtown warehouse drug bust
Atlanta police arrested 40 people at a downtown warehouse pop-up event on April 18 after a search turned up more than 1,600 pounds of drugs, 15 guns, and nearly $33,000 in cash. What’s Happening: Officers served a search warrant at 275 Ted Turner Drive SW, a roughly 69,000-square-foot warehouse. The operation, called “Operation No Smoke,” […]
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Echols County wildfire forces evacuations
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 […]