Wildfires burning across Georgia and Florida destroy homes and force evacuations
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Wildfires in south-east Georgia and north-east Florida have intensified, destroying 50 homes, prompting evacuations, and leading to school closures in affected areas.
- The Georgia Forestry Commission imposed its first-ever mandatory burn ban across 91 counties due to worsening drought and increased wildfire activity.
- Smoke from the fires has degraded air quality in parts of south Georgia and drifted to cities including Atlanta, Savannah, and Jacksonville, with smoky conditions expected to persist in Atlanta.
- The region is experiencing severe drought, with 97% of the south-east US in moderate to exceptional drought, contributing to the rapid spread of fires; Florida is facing one of its worst fire seasons in decades.
- Major fires, including the Brantley County blaze which has grown significantly, have led to extensive evacuations and the deployment of multiple firefighting agencies and resources to combat the situation.
