Georgia’s wildfire seasons are rarely predictable. But heading into 2026, one thing was clear: conditions were aligning for a challenging spring. Prolonged dry weather, lingering impacts from past storms and elevated fuel loads across South Georgia signaled the potential for increased wildfire activity.

​In response, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) took a proactive approach: investing in preparation, refining operations and positioning resources ahead of what would become one of the most demanding wildfire periods in recent years. When fire activity escalated, that advance work would be tested in real time.

In the months and years leading up to the 2026 wildfire season, GFC focused on strengthening its ability to respond quickly and effectively. That work took shape in several ways, including increased investment in equipment and personnel, expanded training opportunities, and operational improvements designed to move resources more efficiently across the state. At the same time, the agency re-established its Incident Management Team (IMT), ensuring experienced leadership would be ready to step in when large-scale incidents emerged.

“There is not one specific measure I would point to,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director and State Forester Johnny Sabo. “It was a combination of investments, organizational improvements, and rebuilding our Incident Management Team that strengthened our readiness and our ability to respond quickly during peak fire activity.” On the ground, that readiness translated into something equally important: experience.

“Having the fuel mitigation program helped us tremendously,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Forest Protection Chief Thomas Barrett. “Our operators have been gaining valuable experience for over a year and a half. That extra ‘seat time’ [in the Hurricane Helene impact area] has made our folks better and more familiar with the capabilities of our main firefighting tools.”

Training, mentorship and hands-on experience were reinforced across the agency — ensuring that when conditions changed, personnel were ready.

FIRE ACTIVITY ESCALATES
That readiness was put into action as wildfire activity increased across South Georgia in early 2026. As conditions worsened, the state forester issued a burn ban for 91 counties across southern Georgia, a decisive step aimed at reducing additional fire risk during a period of heightened danger. The move underscored both the severity of the conditions and the need to limit preventable ignitions. At the same time, GFC crews began responding to a growing number of wildfires, with initial attack efforts focused on rapid containment, structure protection, and coordination with local and state partners. But as conditions continued to intensify, two fires would come to define the season. ​

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​PINELAND ROAD AND HIGHWAY 82 FIRES
The Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 Fire quickly grew into large-scale incidents, challenging resources and requiring sustained, coordinated response efforts.

The Pineland Road Fire ultimately burned more than 32,000 acres, while the Highway 82 Fire burned more than 22,000 acres. Both incidents required significant personnel, equipment and interagency coordination — and as of early June, both remain approximately 98% contained.

As the fires expanded, GFC’s Incident Management Team assumed command, bringing structure and coordination to rapidly evolving situations. For many within the agency, that transition marked a turning point. “One particular moment I remember was watching one of our IMT briefings early in the Pineland Fire,” Barrett said. “The level of calmness, professionalism and expertise gave me a sense that every - thing was going to be OK.” Even as conditions remained volatile, that leadership helped guide operations and maintain focus across the response.

MANAGING COMPLEXITY ON THE FIRELINE
Wildfires of this scale rarely follow a predictable path. Changing weather conditions, fuel variability and terrain all influence how a fire behaves — and how it can be managed. In some cases, containment is not immediately possible. “Wildfires can sometimes become so extreme that containing them is similar to managing any other natural disaster while it is occurring,” Sabo said. “In those situations, our focus becomes protecting the public and ensuring the safety of all emergency responders until conditions improve.”

During the Highway 82 Fire, that reality became especially clear. The fire resulted in the most significant wildfire-related loss of structures in Georgia’s history. But it also highlighted another critical outcome: the number of homes that were saved.

Within the fire footprint, approximately 350 homes were successfully protected through coordinated efforts between wildland and structural firefighters. Throughout both incidents, morale and persistence played a key role.

“On fires of this magnitude, persistence is critical to gaining the upper hand,” said Region 5 Manager Blair Joiner. “Our personnel demonstrated that persistence every day. Their dedication, resilience and determination were key factors in our ability to continue making progress under difficult conditions.”

Difficult might be an understatement. Alamo Firefighter Matt Welch was there when the fire jumped Highway 32 and Browntown Road.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Welch said. “I just marveled at how quickly it moved and the noise was unreal. It felt like a war zone.”

Fortunately, Welch and many of his wildland firefighter colleagues were relying on equipment they knew would do the job. The GFC’s Rural Fire Department program supplied fleets of county-owned pumpers, tankers and other vehicles that were built for just such a challenge.

Nahunta Fire Chief Marty Lee said, “We couldn’t have done it without that equipment. We couldn’t have saved the houses we saved without them.”

​“Some of the neighbors thanked us for coming,” added Welch. “It was a very humbling experience. They said they still had houses because of us.” 

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"We must continue to be proactive rather than reactive. That means expanding the use of prescribed fire, maintaining firebreaks and encouraging homeowners to do their part.” — Blair Joiner, Region 5 Manager, GFC 

LESSONS THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE FIRELINE
As containment efforts continue, the lessons from the 2026 wildfire season are already shaping how GFC and its partners look ahead. Across all levels of the response, one message remains consistent: preparation matters. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Barrett said, emphasizing the importance of fuel reduction and defensible space. That perspective extends to both homeowners and forest landowners. Creating defensible space, maintaining access routes and expanding the use of prescribed fire all contribute to reducing wildfire risk and improving outcomes when fires occur. “We must continue to be proactive rather than reactive,” Joiner said. “That means expanding the use of prescribed fire, maintaining firebreaks and encouraging homeowners to do their part.” For GFC, those efforts are not new— but the 2026 season reinforced just how critical they are. 

A CONTINUED COMMITMENT
Georgia averages more than 4,000 wildfires each year, and no two seasons look the same. But the 2026 wildfire season served as a reminder that preparation, coordination and experience can make a measurable difference when conditions are at their worst. From early investments and training to on-the-ground response and long-term recovery, the work of GFC personnel and partner agencies reflects a shared commitment: protecting lives, property and Georgia’s forest resources. Even in the face of extreme conditions, that commitment remains unchanged. ■ 

Stasia Kelly is a media relations specialist with the Georgia Forestry Commission. She is focused on telling the story of forestry and exploring the immense impact of the industry on Georgia’s environment, economy and heritage.