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Firefighters battle 200-acre wildfire in McCormick County

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Firefighters battle 200-acre wildfire in McCormick County


EDGEFIELD, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The U.S. Forest Service battled a 200-acre wildfire in McCormick County throughout the day Saturday

40 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies went to the Woodlawn Fire, six miles north of Evans, Georgia, on the Sumter National Forest and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources land in southern McCormick County to battle the fire Saturday

Drivers should use caution on Woodlawn Road and Highway 28. Currently, there are no evacuations and no structures threatened, according to authorities.

The 200-acre wildfire is burning in heavy dead and down debris from Hurricane Helene, making it difficult for firefighters to access the area, according to the forest service. Firefighters are using roads to contain and control the fire’s spread.

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Firefighters are using aircraft to move the fire to roads, where it will be easier and safer to suppress it, officials say.

The forest service says not to fly drones near the wildfire as they are extremely dangerous to firefighters and public safety.

If drones are spotted in the area, firefighting aircraft will be grounded, delaying response to the fire.

Officials say the size of the will increase throughout Saturday afternoon, and smoke will be visible from several surrounding communities, including Modoc and Clarks Hill in South Carolina and Martinez, Evans and Augusta.

Smoke may impact roads and lower terrain overnight, the forest service says. The Woodlawn Fire was discovered at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026.

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The cause of the fire is unknown. The U.S. Forest Service is working in with South Carolina Forestry Commission, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Clarks Hill Fire Department.



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Augusta, GA

Geoff Duncan campaigns in Augusta ahead of Election Day

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Geoff Duncan campaigns in Augusta ahead of Election Day


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.

The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.

Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.

“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.

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Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?

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What is the cheapest city in Georgia to live with a roomate?


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As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.

According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.

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Here’s what to know.

Where can you save the most in Georgia?

The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.

Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.

Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:

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  • One-bedroom rent: $1,000
  • Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
  • Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450

Why are roommate savings so high?

With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.

The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.

How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?

Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:

  1. Cleveland, OH
  2. Baton Rouge, LA
  3. Jersey City, NJ
  4. Memphis, TN
  5. Boise, ID
  6. Augusta, GA
  7. New Haven, CT
  8. Chattanooga, TN
  9. Virginia Beach, VA
  10. Shreveport, LA

Methodology

The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.

For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day

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Augusta nonprofit hosts family financial literacy day


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.

The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.

Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.

Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.

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“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.

Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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