Wildfires are rapidly spreading across northern Florida and southern Georgia, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and sending thick smoke into communities across the Southeast.
Despite weekend rainfall, dangerous fire conditions persist as exceptional drought keeps vegetation primed to burn. Officials warn the brief moisture will do little to stop the ongoing wildfire threat, with more fires likely in the days ahead.
Two of the largest fires in southern Georgia have already burned tens of thousands of acres and continue to grow.
The Highway 82 fire in Brantley County has scorched more than 22,000 acres and is just 6 contained, impacting areas near Atkinson and Waynesville.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned more than 32,000 acres and is 10 contained in Clinch and Echols counties. Georgia Forestry Commission officials said the fire was started by a stray spark from a welding operation.
