ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Officials are warning residents to take extra precautions as wildfire danger continues to rise across south Georgia. Dry conditions and ongoing drought have fueled a massive fire in Clinch and Echols counties, forcing evacuations and stretching crews thin.

Fire officials say the wildfire burning in Clinch and Echols counties has grown to 31,307 acres and is 10 percent contained, forcing about 140 residents to evacuate. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp traveled to the area to assess the damage firsthand.

Extreme fire conditions challenge crews

“There was an area where we lost a bulldozer, burned up right next to this house’s yard, probably 100 yards from the highway,” Kemp said. “There’s no way to like stop this fire, they’re having to contain the flanks, and then hopefully we get a change in the weather but this is extreme conditions we’re dealing with and extreme fires.”

Fire departments from across the state are sending crews to help battle the flames. Officials say extreme drought and dry vegetation are allowing the fire to spread quickly.

30-day burn ban issued for 91 counties

Because of those conditions, Georgia’s state forester has issued a 30-day burn ban on outdoor burning in 91 counties across the southern half of the state.

Assistant Fire Chief Marcus Glass with the Albany Fire Department is urging residents to do their part to prevent any additional fires from starting or spreading.

“We want to make sure that we are following the directions of forestry at this time,” Glass said. “There’s a thirty day burn ban, and we just want all the citizens to help with this cause, which is, let’s be safe. Right now, it’s just not a good time to burn.”

Fire officials say residents should be extra careful heading into the weekend. With drought conditions drying out vegetation across the area, even a small spark from a grill or sparks from lawn equipment can quickly ignite and spread. Fire and city officials are urging residents to hold off on outdoor burning, follow local restrictions, and stay alert.

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