05/05/2026
Update: The Pineland Road Fire continues to burn in heavy southern rough fuels and bays in Clinch and Echols counties. As of May 4, 2026, the fire has burned 32,575 acres with 50% containment. Fuel conditions remain extremely dry and the fire is resistant to control. Crews are working to hold the fire within its strategic containment boundaries: north of Hwy 94, west of US 441, south of Thelma Headlight Rd, and east of Will Rewis Rd.
A total of 263 personnel and 91 resources are assigned to the incident, including engines, dozers, tractor-plows, aircraft, and overhead from BLM, Georgia Forestry Commission, USFS, and cooperating agencies.
Air Restrictions: As crews continue to work on the Pineland Road fire a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR -6/4665) remains in place over the fire which is in effect 24/7. Please remember that if you fly, we can’t.
Weather: Temperatures warmed to the lower 80s with very little wind under the influence of high pressure. Dry air left behind a cold front led to very low humidity across the fire, with low humidity around 25%.
High pressure shifts east Tuesday, bringing warmer temperatures and returning moisture, though afternoon humidity will remain at critically low levels. Sea breezes arrive late today, followed by near-record heat on Wednesday. Strengthening southwesterly winds and hot, dry conditions precede a Thursday cold front. Rain and isolated thunderstorms are possible; however, totals (ranging from 0.01” to 2”) depend on where the front stalls on Friday.
Threats & Impact:
Echols County has lifted mandatory evacuations, but road closures remain in place.
Road closures remain in place across both Echols and Clinch counties.
A total of 140 civilians have been affected, with no civilian fatalities, injuries, or missing persons reported. One responder injury/illness has been reported; no responder fatalities or missing persons.
Structures and lands at risk:
Structures and lands at risk:
78 single residences and 51 other minor structures threatened within 72 hours (35 other minor structures destroyed); residences, outbuildings, hunting camps, commercial timber, and commercial bee operations threatened, particularly around Fruitland and Bamberg
Timberland, agricultural operations, and commercial bee operations
Critical infrastructure including transportation corridors, utilities, transmission lines, and railroad lines; widespread damage to industrial timber production has already occurred and is imminent
Smoke impacts expected in:
Valdosta. Homerville. Fargo
Will Rewis Road will reopen to through traffic beginning today, May 4th.
The following roads remain closed to through traffic to support ongoing wildfire response operations:
Echols County: Pineland Road, Gopher Lope Road, Register Road, Worth Lane, Joes Lane, New Barnes Road, Gaddis Road, King Road, Jesse Lane, May Lane, Chauncey Road, Hendley Road
Clinch County: Colon Road, Mud Camp Road, Mattox Ford Road, Headlight Road
For evacuation information and updates, please contact your local county EMA office:
Clinch County EMA – Andrew Nelson – 912.487.3700
Echols County EMA – Allen Levesque – 229.559.6538
