Wildfires across Georgia and Florida destroy more than 50 homes and force evacuations
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Wildfires fueled by severe drought and strong winds have destroyed over 50 homes and forced hundreds to evacuate across Georgia and northern Florida, with some of the largest fires near Georgia's coast and in Brantley County.
- Southeastern Georgia is experiencing extreme drought conditions, with just 11 inches of rain since September, leading to the state's first-ever burn ban to try to curb fire spread.
- The Brantley County fire expanded rapidly, threatening about 1,000 homes, while firefighting efforts focus on creating fire breaks amid concerns over gusty winds spreading embers.
- Florida is facing one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades, with more than 130 fires burning 39 square miles, exacerbated by an 18-month drought affecting much of the state.
- Smoke from the fires has degraded air quality in parts of south Georgia and has spread to Atlanta, Jacksonville, and even South Carolina, with hazardous conditions expected to persist through Friday.
