State of Emergency issued as wildfires ravage South Georgia

Wildfires scorch 21,000 acres in South Georgia

The Georgia Forestry Commission and federal partners are battling massive wildfires that have destroyed 50 homes and forced nearly 1,000 residents to evacuate across South Georgia.

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. - A state of emergency has been declared, and federal funds have been approved as two major wildfires ravage southern Georgia. 

What we know:

47 different buildings were destroyed overnight in Brantley County after the fire grew nearly ten times in size, according to Action News Jax, the FOX affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. The fire has forced evacuations in the area around Highway 82 and forced schools to close in the area.

The fire is listed as 10% contained, according to the state forestry commission. 

Wildfire smoke prompts haze concerns in metro Atlanta skies

The smoke from this fire and another one in Clinch County is slowly moving into metro Atlanta, causing hazy conditions. With rain not expected until this weekend, the state has issued a mandatory burn ban for 91 counties across Georgia.

FEMA has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs in fighting both fires. When the state applied for the funds on Tuesday, the fires burned more than 11,085 acres of private land and threatened more than 1,050 homes, 50 businesses and community infrastructure. The grants will provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.

Local perspective:

While the fires are burning in the southern part of the state, people in Atlanta woke up Wednesday to thick, smoky air and the smell of burning wood. Capt. Andrew Anderson with Atlanta Fire Rescue said there are no active fires in the city, but the department has seen an increase in calls about the haze.

Health experts, including Dr. Cecil Bennett with Newnan Family Medicine, warned that the smoke is a concern for everyone. Bennett advised residents to avoid being out in the smoky air if possible.

Big picture view:

As the Brantley County fire and another in Clinch County spread, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 Georgia counties in the southern part of the state. To see a full list of the counties, click here. 

The State of Emergency will last for 30 days, unless extended. 

What they're saying:

"With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state's 5-year average and continue to spread," said Governor Brian Kemp. "My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state, and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities. We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock."

Kemp said he will also send the National Guard in to assist in fighting the fire, including personnel and air support. 

"This is an all-hands-on-deck effort," said Johnny Sabo, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "Air resources, heavy equipment and firefighters are actively engaged in suppression and protection efforts."

What we don't know:

It's unknown if any injuries or deaths have been caused by the fire. 

What's next:

Firefighters from Troup County and other metro Atlanta areas are already on the road to provide mutual aid to local crews.