Echols Co. EMA

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Even though the Georgia Forestry Commission has lifted the burn ban for our county, the local burn ordinance, prohibiting burning of residential debris, is still in place for Echols County.

Note: This page is under active construction and new information will continue to be added.

05/11/2026

Echols County
All county road closures related to the wildfire have been lifted.

Residents and travelers may resume normal travel on county roads. Please continue to use caution in previously affected areas as crews complete final operations and conditions continue to improve.

Send a message to learn more

05/08/2026

🔥Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/8/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to NO NEW WILDFIRES statewide — the first zero-fire day Georgia has seen since December.

This is encouraging progress, but we are still in a drought, and wildfire danger remains elevated across much of the state. It only takes one spark to put us right back into extreme fire activity.

Current large fire status:
• The Pineland Rd Fire has burned 32,575 acres and is 66% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres and is now 90% contained

Both fires remain active, and crews continue working to strengthen containment lines and monitor conditions.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue avoiding active fire areas
➡️ 🚁 Never fly drones near wildfires or firefighting aircraft
➡️ Use caution when driving in smoky areas
➡️ Follow guidance from local officials and emergency personnel

📲 Stay informed:
• Active wildfire information: https://georgiafc.firesponse.com/public/
• Wildfire updates and resources: https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/

Beginning next week, wildfire updates will transition from daily reports to three updates per week.

Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, and supporting agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this wildfire response.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

05/08/2026

Use Caution After Storms – A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm. For more tips, visit https://www.noaa.gov/use-caution-after-storms.

05/07/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

At 203 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 7 miles south of Quitman to 11 miles west of
Madison to 17 miles east of Woodville. Movement was east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.

Locations impacted include...
Live Oak, Jasper, Jennings, White Springs, Statenville, Suwannee
River State Park, Suwannee Springs, Mayday, Belmont, and Crossroads.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Hear Audio Alert:https://hrpow.us/5ulpg6R

05/07/2026

A big thank you to the Echols County Volunteer Fire Department who took time out of their day to attend Echols Elementary School’s Field Day!

The kids had an absolute blast cooling off, running through the water, and getting “drenched” by our firefighters. It was a great morning full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit.

Our firefighters are there when emergencies happen; but, days like today, remind us they’re also part of what makes this community special.

Thank you to all of our VFD Fire fighters for making memories for these kids and showing what hometown community is all about.
Echols Co. EMA
Echols County Fire and Rescue
Echols County, GA

05/07/2026

Stay Protected During Storms – There is no need to panic during hurricane season, as long as you know what to do. Follow guidance from local officials to know whether to evacuate or stay in place, understand the hazards of the storm, remain vigilant, and stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts. To learn more, visit www.noaa.gov/stay-protected-during-storms.