The Pineland Road Fire in South Georgia has expanded to over 16,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations in Echols County as firefighters struggle with severe conditions.
A Level 3 evacuation order is in place for residents living on or near Will Rewis and Chauncey roads in Echols County.
Two evacuation shelters are available: Camp Rock at 4407 Rocky Ford Road in Valdosta and Venture of Faith Camp at 1309 GA-135 in Lake Park.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly to manage the blaze, which has been producing conditions rarely seen in Georgia wildfires, according to Scott Griffin, president and CEO of Superior Pine Products Company.
The Georgia Forestry Commission has mobilized over 40 units of equipment and more than 70 personnel to combat the fire, with crews working in both day and night shifts.
Two "Type 1 Chinook" helicopters are providing assistance with water drops, and timber companies have their own firefighters working in conjunction with those from the Forestry Commission.
Governor Brian Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones have offered support and prayers to those affected by the wildfires.
