Two wildfires in southeastern Georgia have destroyed thousands of acres and more than 120 homes over a couple of days, threatening further lives and property. Governor Brian Kemp declared an emergency for 91 counties in the state, stating that this marks the most for a single wildfire in Georgia's history.
The blazes have sent smoke over a wide area and contributed to at least one death in Florida. In Brantley County, manager Joey Cason described the event as a dynamic situation and urged residents to evacuate if ordered to do so. Officials warned that strong winds could spread the flames further, making additional evacuations necessary for residents in rural southeast Georgia.
An unusually large number of wildfires are burning across the Southeast this spring. Scientists say the threat has been amplified by climate change, gusty winds, and extreme drought that has turned the region into a tinderbox. The risk is further increased by dead trees that continue to litter forests nearly two years after being toppled by Hurricane Helene.