CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. — Officials are urging residents to prepare to evacuate as multiple agencies continue to battle a wildfire that has burned more than 6,960 acres.

The wildfire started on Pineland Road on Saturday, April 18, just before 5 p.m., according to Clinch County EMA Director Andrew Nelson. The fire grew from a few acres Saturday to more than 4,000 acres by Monday morning, as recorded by Georgia Forestry.

Nelson said the fire has spread to the Suwannochee River at the Clinch and Echols County line. The fire is currently 10% contained.

Evacuation alert remains in effect

Residents living near Highway 441 between Headlight Road and Tiger Lake Road have been told to be prepared to evacuate if instructed. Nelson said the evacuation order has not been given, but officials were told not to relax the warning in case winds change.

“Everybody in the area needs to be alert just to keep up with which way the winds are going, which way the fire is going, so that if it gets closer to their area, they’re ready to act if needed,” Nelson said.

Nelson said residents should pack essential items and ensure their families are ready to evacuate quickly if needed.

Weather conditions fueling fire spread

Nelson said weather conditions and the drought have caused the fire to spread. He said Monday’s fire weather conditions made the situation worse.

“With the winds and everything, it’s definitely spreading,” Nelson said.

Georgia Forestry has been working around the clock since the fire was discovered to try to get it contained, Nelson said.

Residents react to fire threat

Alonzo Padgett, a Needmore resident, said he is monitoring the fire’s direction.

“We’re kind of watching it right now and seeing which direction it’s going to stay, hopefully not go the way we’re living at,” Padgett said.

Padgett said he can smell smoke throughout the area. He said he has not experienced a fire this close and this large in his lifetime.

“I appreciate everything y’all do with the Forestry Commission, all the firefighters, the aviation, everything they’re doing,” Padgett said. “We’re all praying for them and hoping they stay safe out there and get under control.”

Officials urge caution

Nelson urged residents not to burn anything and to be careful with anything that could cause a fire. “Now is not the time to be cleaning up the yard debris with fire,” Nelson said.

Nelson said officials are not seeking donations at this time. He asked for prayers for safety and rain.

Nelson said officials are staying in contact with Georgia Forestry and will push out updates as they receive them. He said residents should monitor social media and news for updates and follow instructions regarding evacuations if given.

Incident management team is preparing to set up and cities of the counties have been assisting in the fire.

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