April 26th:
5:27 p.m.: Despite reports of a wildfire threatening homes in Echols County, emergency management officials posted on Facebook that no new evacuation orders have been issued.
Fire crews, including the Georgia Forestry Commission, are actively working to contain the blaze and protect nearby properties. The Echols County Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to stay vigilant, be prepared, and rely only on official alerts for potential evacuation updates
11:00 a.m.: The Georgia Forestry Commission says the Pineland Rd Fire is now estimated at 32,003 acres and 10% contained.
On Facebook, Echols Co. EMA gave additional details from the GFC, saying crews are working around the clock building, reinforcing, and securing existing containment lines along Highway 94 to the north, U.S. Highway 441 to the west, Thelma Headlight Road to the south, and Will Rewis Road to the east.
They say mandatory evacuations remain in effect in Echols County and that 140 residents have evacuated. No injuries or fatalities reported.
8:30 a.m.: On Saturday night, the Clinch Co Emergency Management Agency gave the following update on Facebook on the Pineland Road Fire and the threat of impacts.
The Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County is approximately 31,976 acres and is 10% contained. Crews with the Georgia Forestry Commission and Cooperators are actively working to contain the fire. Due to dry conditions, the fire continues to burn in the bays and swamps, increasing the difficulty of suppressing the fire. Crews continue to establish and strengthen fire lines, including newly identified spot fires. Improving fire lines to allow engine access to begin mop up continues to be a priority. The combination of extremely low humidity [low 20% range], a high KBDI [approaching 700], and exceptional drought [D4] is contributing to high resistance to containment.
There are 184 personnel currently assigned to the Pineland Road Fire. Equipment resources include wildland engines, water tenders, and dozers. The roadways in and around the fire can become easily congested due to the increase in personnel and fire vehicles. Fire Management also reminds the public to please stay out of the fire area while fire crews work.
35 minor structures have been lost, and an estimated 187 homes are currently threatened. Mandatory evacuations are currently in place in Echols County. Structures, including residences and recreational camps, are threatened particularly around the communities of Fruitland and Bamberg. Key risks include residential properties and outbuildings, recreational camps, commercial timber value, commercial bee operations, and critical infrastructure, including transportation corridors, utilities transmission, and railroad lines.
April 25th:
8:35 p.m.: New road closures have been announced per Echols Co. EMA. The say these closures are necessary to ensure safe access for emergency personnel and to protect public and firefighter safety as they battle the Pineland Road Fire.
Echols County:
- Pineland Rd
- Gopher Loop Rd
- Register Rd
- Worth Ln
- Joes Ln
- Will Rewis Rd
- New Barnes Rd
- Gaddis Rd
- King Rd
- Jesse Ln
- May Ln
- Chauncey Rd
- Hendley Rd
Clinch County
- Colon Rd
- Mud Camp Rd
- Mattox Ford Rd
- Headlight Rd
The release says access to these areas is restricted to emergency personnel only. Roads will reopen as soon as conditions are deemed safe.
2:30 p.m.: We now know the cause of the Pineland Road Fire. In a Facebook post on Clinch Co Emergency Management Agency, they say per the Georgia Forestry Commission, the fire started with a stray spark from a welding operation that fell to the forest floor, igniting surrounding vegetation.
They say the fire has now burned 31,976 acres and is 10% contained.
8:45 a.m.: Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency says if you've lost your home due to the fires, you can visit the Magnolia House Thrift Store in Waycross, Ga. They say everything is for free. Just show your license where you’re in a burnout zone and get what you need.
They're located at 2051 Plant Avenue, Waycross, Ga. 31501
April 24th:
10:00 p.m.: The Georgia Forestry Commission says the Pineland Rd Fire is now estimated at 31,976 acres and 10% contained and the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, now estimated over 7,567 acres and 10% contained.
6:00 p.m.: Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference Friday afternoon to discuss the latest with the fires and containment efforts.
WATCH REPORT BELOW:
12:00 p.m.: Second Harvest of South Georgia is accepting donations to assist in area wildfire response and relief efforts. In a release they said they're working in partnership with Clinch County and Echols County Emergency Management Agencies, and that the food bank will act as the central collection point for donated food and supplies. Donations will be accepted at Second Harvest’s Valdosta headquarters located at 1836 Piedmont Place Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ITEMS NEEDED:
- Hydration powders
- Electrolyte drinks
- Individually wrapped snacks
- Bug spray
- Eye drops
- New bandanas
- New crew socks & new t-shirts
April 23rd:
11:30 p.m.: The Georgia Forestry Commission shared an update on the wildfires in South Georgia late Thursday night. They say the Pineland Road fire has now burned more than 31,000 acres and is still 10% contained.
They say the fire in Brantley County has burned more than 5,000 acres.
9:00 p.m.: Echols County, EMA says there's no change to the location of the wildfire since Wednesday, which was that the fire is still North of Highway 94, East of Will Rewis Road, and South of Highway 187.
4:00 p.m.: Georgia Forestry Commission says Crews remain actively engaged on the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County, working to contain the fire under challenging drought and weather conditions. They say if you don't need to be in the area, please stay out. The fire has burned more than 29,000 acres, and at last report, remains at 10% contained.
April 22nd:
10:00 p.m.: The Georgia Forestry Commission says the Pineland Road Wildfire has now burned more than 29,000 acres. It is still 10% contained.
8:45 p.m.: The Georgia Forestry Commission shared an update on fire conditions on social media, saying their team was "fully mobilized" and working with local, state, and federal partners to put out the flames.
The commission has also set up a website which includes more details about fires across South Georgia, shelters, and the response from emergency crews.
Regarding the Pineland Road fire, the commission says:
"Fire behavior for [Thursday] is expected to be extreme with short range spotting with potential for long range spotting. Group torching and wind driven runs are expected. Smoke is expected to impact Valdosta, Homerville, Lake Park, Statenville, and Fargo."
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 126 Georgia counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas. The declaration makes farm operators eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency emergency loan assistance.
The eligible counties in our area include: Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Lanier, Miller, Mitchell, and Thomas.
6:00 p.m.: Watch our on-air coverage about the ongoing wildfires in Clinch and Echols County below.
Echols County EMA also shared an update about the fire's size and location saying:
"As of 6pm 4/22, Fire is still North of Highway 94, East of Will Rewis Road, and South of Highway 187. The Fruitland area residents are still in danger and should follow all official notices."
2:00 p.m.: Governor Kemp has declared a state of emergency for 91 counties in South Georgia in response to today’s ongoing wildfires. The governor also directed the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and other relevant state agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to support active response efforts in the state's southern region.
12:30 p.m.: The Echols County EMA says as of 11:00 a.m., the wildfire is North of Highway 94, East of Will Rewis Road, and South of Highway 187. They say that as conditions change, we will update accordingly.
April 21st:
A wildfire in Clinch County and Echols County has burned more than 16,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. It is only 10% contained.
Local authorities are urging some neighbors near the Pineland Road area to evacuate as the flames spread.
The commission is taking the lead on the response to the fire. The GFC says exceptional drought conditions in our area are making the fire spread more quickly.
They're also telling neighbors to stay out of active fire areas, use caution on the roads, keep the airspace clear, and follow instructions from local officials.
Echols County EMA says the American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter for neighbors impacted by the wildfire at the Venture of Faith Camp located at 1309 GA Highway 135 S
Lake Park, GA 31636. Residents who have evacuated or feel unsafe in their homes should go there.
Neighbors should bring these items if possible:
- Medications
- Important documents
- Clothing and personal items
- Bedding/pillows
- Items for children (formula, diapers, comfort items)
Neighbors evacuating with campers or motor homes can go to the Alaphoochee tractor show grounds located at 202 Bethel Church Road in Lake Park.
The EMA says Camp Rock is another possible evacuation site.
On Tuesday, the EMA reported the fire had crossed Register Road and told neighbors living near Will Rewis, Chauncey Road, Joes Lane, Worth Lane, Register Road, and the Fruitland area to evacuate immediately.
The EMA also says neighbors should limit their outdoor activity if they smell smoke and keep windows and doors closed. People with respiratory conditions should also take precautions.
The Echols County Sheriff's Office says there are "over 70 personnel on the ground with nearly 45 pieces of equipment actively working the fire."
The Echols County School District says schools will remain open for now, but all outdoor activities have been canceled.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says his office is "working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia."
This is a developing situation. We will update this story as we learn more.
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