Map shows latest wildfires across Georgia and Florida

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.

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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. 

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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.