Augusta, GA
Map shows latest wildfires across Georgia and Florida
Florida, Georgia wildfires prompt evacuations, travel chaos
Fast-moving Florida, Georgia wildfires prompt evacuations, travel chaos
Scripps News
Firefighters are battling wildfires in two southeastern states, prompting officials in one to issue its first ever burn ban, authorities said on April 22.
The blazes, created by “extreme drought,” are burning across parts of southern Georgia and northeast Florida, forcing road closures and destroying homes and buildings in their path, officials said.
In Georgia, the state’s Forestry Commission reported more than half of the state’s 159 counties had burn bans in effect. At the same time, burn bans were in effect for more than 40 counties in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Forest Service.
“My office and I are working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote on X April 21. “If you are in a directly affected area, please adhere to guidance from your local officials to keep you and your family safe.”
The burn ban order prohibits the outside burning of trash and yard debris and agriculture material in the affected area. Campfires, fireworks and burn barrels are also not permitted.
The commission reported it marked the first time in the agency’s history that a mandatory ban on outdoor burning has been issued.
Slated to remain in effect for at least 30 days, the Georgia Forestry Commission said the ban includes regions below Atlanta and covers Harris County to Columbia County, south to the Florida line.
As of April 22, there were about a half dozen wildfires burning in the Peach State, USA TODAY data showed.
The Pineland Road fire, discovered on April 18 in Clinch County, about 13 miles northwest of Fargo, also continues to burn. As of the early afternoon of April 22, the fire had spread to nearly 9,000 acres and was 10% contained.
Where are wildfires burning in Georgia? See map.
The Georgia Forestry Commission reported 98% of Georgia’s total land area is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions, and the number of wildfires statewide has now risen above Georgia’s five-year average.
The chance of rain is unlikely for most of the affected area in the coming days, the Georgia Forestry Commission said.
“The extreme drought conditions across Georgia are putting agriculture and forestry at significant risk, and I want to strongly encourage all Georgians to do the right thing and adhere to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s burn ban while these conditions persist,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper said in a news release.
Where are wildfires burning in Florida? See map.
At the same time, there were 135 wildfires burning almost 21,000 acres in Florida, the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.
Roads in Franklin and Levy counties remained closed there due to smoke, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The law enforcement agency was urging motorists to use caution.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Community members gathered Sunday to honor those who lost their lives to gun violence as part of Wear Orange Weekend.
A memorial was held at Jordan Grove Baptist Church, bringing together several organizations to spread awareness about gun violence prevention.
Wear Orange Weekend honors 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago in 2013. Orange was her favorite color.
Several organizations participated in the event, including Moms Demand Action, Georgia Shift, Community in Action and Grieving Families of Youth Violence.
Organizers said ending violence is a community effort.
“Today may be our day, but tomorrow could be any day, don’t wait till it hits your front door step, get involved now because your voice may be the one that makes the difference in our community with your family or any loved one,” said Phyllis Jackson of Moms Demand Action.
“I want to thank the CSRA Community in Action, Georgia Shift, as well as Moms Demand Action for coming together to see a need to know we are here to stop gun violence in our area,” said Rev. Anthony Walker, co-founder of CSRA Community in Action.
The weekend also included a gun-violence panel discussion and a walk. Organizers said they are always looking for volunteers.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city’s planting plan for Broad Street lays out the future landscape of Broad Street, from ADA accessible sidewalks to a separate bike path.
The plan also lists the types of trees and shrubs that will fill the now bare Broad Street.
But senior investigative reporter Lize Ownes found the plans are missing some crucial information.
The city has identified what types of trees and shrubs will go downtown, but not exactly where. The city has not said when it will begin planting. The planting plan also does not outline a long-term maintenance plan for the future greenery on Broad Street.
What the plan includes
Blueprints and architectural designs make envisioning Broad Street’s new look difficult without engineering expertise.
Augusta Richmond County’s planting plan includes several types of maple trees, including the Trident Maple, according to Joe, a tree specialist at Cold Creek Nurseries. The plan also includes willow oak trees.
The county’s planting plan also includes bringing back what was once the most predominant tree downtown: the elm. Years of neglect combined with Hurricane Helene wiped out many of the elms that once lined Broad Street.
Shade trees come with roots, space and maintenance requirements, Joe said.
Ground cover is also on the list. The plan includes Asiatic jasmine, an evergreen ground cover that stays low to the ground and spreads. The plan also includes liriope, a grass-like plant.
What’s missing from the plan
The planting plans do not answer several questions.
The plans do not say who will maintain the trees or what the long-term maintenance plan is. The plans do not say when planting will start or where each tree and shrub will go on which block of Broad Street.
Joe said he cannot say whether the tree choices will work downtown based on the information provided.
The engineering director was tied up in meetings and unavailable for comment. The Augusta Tree Commission received the same planting plans last week and is reviewing them.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Around 9:20, Saturday morning deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on the 500 block of Hillwood Circle reportedly for a deceased 3-month-old infant who may have been attacked by a dog inside the home.
Upon arrival, deputies located the infant dead inside. The baby, 3 month-old Zamora Robinson was pronounced dead by the Richmond County Coroner at 11:00 am.
Investigators said they secured the scene, and all occupants were safely removed from the home.
The Coroner said that Zamora was attacked by a Cane Corso. It was removed from the residence by Animal Services as part of the investigation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing as investigators continue conducting interviews and gathering additional information.
No further details are available at this time.
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