Severe weather conditions continue fueling wildfires across thousands of acres, leaving damaged land and homes in their wake, during the "worst drought in 20 years" in Georgia, state officials said Tuesday.
Amid what the National Weather Service deemed the "largest drought footprint in the state in almost twenty years," the Georgia Environmental Protection Division on Monday issued a Drought Response Level 1.
The issuance is during a storm pattern sweeping north Georgia.
Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday echoed the sentiment of the NWS. He depicted the mood among the Georgia Forestry Commission and firefighters as solemn.
"It is heartbreaking," the governor said. "It is heartbreaking for them when they can't save that house. We've seen it in their eyes and their hearts, but I'll tell you they're doing everything they can to try to save these homes."
Firefighters have been combatting enormous wildfires in south Georgia, most notably in Clinch and Brantley counties.
Kemp said his office has been in communication with President Donald Trump's office and other federal partners.
As part of the state response, the EPD is promoting water conservation, mandating more public awareness.
The State Operations Center has been activated, said Josh Lamb, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
A state of emergency is in place for 91 counties, and both county and state burn bans have taken effect.
The wildfires have caused residents to evacuate or be displaced. Lamb said the following state-led shelters are:
Georgia firefighters have battled 80 new fires since Sunday across the state, Kemp said. In the last 30 days, the governor said the GFC reported responding to 767 fires in the last 30 days in Georgia.
That's 85 percent more fires and 145 percent more burned acreage than normal compared to the state's five-year average.
The Highway 82 blaze, while improving, has dismantled 82 homes, Kemp said. The fire was at 32 percent containment as of Tuesday.
In total, 22,615 acres have been impacted by the wildfire in Brantley, the GFC reported. Kemp noted the "dangerous" fire has been "taxiing for the team."
However, rainfall has allowed for crews to gain some ground and make progress, Kemp said.
"We're definitely not out of the woods but feeling a lot better," he said.
Elsewhere, in Clinch County, 32,541 acres of Pineland Road were swept by a wildfire that now sits at 23 percent containment.
Kemp said the fire had "doubled in size in two days."
Even with the current wet pattern, officials do not appear to remain optimistic about an immediate end.
"A little bit of rain is going to help us, but it's not going to get us out of this situation," Kemp said. "We're going to be dealing with this for quite a while."
The Level 1 response requires public water systems to initiate campaigns that help residents understand droughts, their impact on water supplies and the need for water conservation.
This can be done through notices and announcements through public libraries, newspaper or online ads, bill inserts and social media.
Precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels, short-term climate predictions and soil moisture all affect water supply, according to the EPD.
Outdoor water use between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. remains permissible, and public water systems cannot impose outdoor water restrictions sans a variance from the EPD under the drought response, state officials said.
Severe storms are continuing to push their way through metro Atlanta Tuesday.
The NWS reported a 30 percent chance of showers after 4 p.m. Tuesday and a thunderstorm before 3 a.m. Friday in the area.
Wind gusts of 60 mph and a brief tornado remain in the forecast for the metro, which could also face an inch-size hail.
Storms are expected to continue through Saturday night.
Here is the National Weather Service's detailed forecast for metro Atlanta:
This Afternoon: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 a.m. Low around 64. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Showers likely before 11 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: Showers, mainly after 8 p.m. Low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. High near 64. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Saturday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Forsyth County officials on Tuesday said the area is experiencing an extreme drought, the second-worst level.
County officials advised residents:
revealed its fire department is gathering items to assist the displaced families in south Georgia.
The Forsyth County Fire Department is accepting non-perishable items through May 10, Mother's Day, at all county fire stations and the Public Safety Complex located at 3520 Settingdown Road.
“Forsyth County residents have proven time and time again that they are caring people, ready to help others," Forsyth County Fire Chief Barry Head said in a news release. “We appreciate anything our community can do to help our
neighbors in the south."
The following items are being collected:
Food:
• Canned meats, soups and stews, vegetables and fruits
• Peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars preferred)
• Boxed meals
• Pasta, rice, beans, pasta sauce (plastic jar or canned)
• Instant potatoes or stuffing mixes
• Shelf-stable milk
• Breakfast cereals and oatmeal
• Granola and protein bars
• Shelf-stable ready-to-eat meals (microwaveable or MRE-style)
• Canned beans and chili
• Crackers
• Shelf-stable juices or drink boxes
• Instant noodles or cup-of-soup
• Nuts, trail mix and dried fruit
• Allergen-friendly options (gluten-free, nut-free)
Non-food essentials:
• Hydration packets (electrolyte, single-serve)
• Individually wrapped sunscreen packets
• Insect repellent (wipes or small bottles)
• Eye drops (single-use or sterile bottles)
• Baby formula and baby food
• Diapers and wipes
• Hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, deodorant)
• Feminine hygiene items
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Trash bags (kitchen and contractor sizes)
• Aluminum foil and zipper storage bags
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
• Laundry detergent (small bottles or packets)
• Dish soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• First-aid items (bandages, antiseptic wipes)
Comfort and displacement items:
• New socks
• New underwear
• Basic blankets
• Small pillows or travel pillows
• Flashlights or small battery-powered lanterns
• AA/AAA batteries
Pet essentials:
• Dry dog and cat food (small bags)
• Pet treats
• Pet bowls
• Basic leashes or collars
Smoke-related relief:
• N95/KN95 masks
• Wet wipes
• Small air fresheners or odor absorbers
• Saline nasal spray
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