Southeast Drought Fuels Historic Georgia Wildfires
An extreme drought in the Southeast contributed to two large wildland fires in southern Georgia in April 2026, burning more than 50,000 acres.
Origin of the Blazes
The Highway 82 fire started on April 18 from a spark from a welding operation. The Pineland Road fire ignited three days later when a mylar balloon collided with power lines.
Rapid Spread
Both fires spread rapidly due to high winds, limited rainfall, and fallen trees and limbs left by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Devastating Impact
By April 25, the fires had destroyed over 120 homes, the most lost to wildfire in Georgia's history. As of April 28, the Pineland Road fire was 23% contained and the Highway 82 fire was 32% contained.
Ongoing Response
Hundreds of firefighting personnel are using air and ground equipment. NASA satellite and aircraft data, including Landsat 8 imagery, are being used to track fire behavior. False-color images show burned areas in gray and active fire fronts in orange.