FARGO, Ga. (WALB) — The Pineland Road Fire continues to burn across Clinch and Echols counties, growing to 32,541 acres with 23% containment, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC) April 28 update.

Officials say active fire behavior, including wind-driven runs, spotting and flanking, continues to challenge crews. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect in Echols County, where 140 civilians have evacuated so far.

The fire is burning about 13 miles northwest of Fargo. Crews are working around the clock to build, reinforce and secure containment lines along Highway 94 to the north, U.S. Highway 441 to the west, Thelma Headlight Road to the south and Will Rewis Road to the east.

According to GFC, 165 personnel and 55 resources are assigned to the fire. That includes engines, heavy equipment and overhead support, along with state, federal and local partners.

Officials say fuel and weather conditions are creating an extreme fire environment. Low humidity, a high drought index and exceptional drought conditions are making the fire harder to control. Smoke impacts are expected in Valdosta, Homerville and Fargo.

Evacuations remain in place in Echols County, especially around the communities of Fruitland and Bamberg. Officials say 187 single residences and 123 other minor structures are threatened within the next 72 hours. One structure has been destroyed so far. No civilian or responder injuries have been reported.

Several roads are also closed.

In Echols County, closures include Pineland Road, Gopher Lope Road, Register Worth Lane, Joes Lane, Will Rewis Road, New Barnes Road, Gaddis Road, King Road, Jesse Lane, May Lane, Chauncey Road and Hendley Road.

In Clinch County, closures include Colon Road, Mud Camp Road, Mattox Ford Road and Headlight Road.

A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the fire area. Officials are reminding the public that drones and unauthorized aircraft are not allowed because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.

The Pineland Road Fire has been burning for more than a week, growing from thousands of acres to now more than 32,000 acres as dry conditions continue across South Georgia. Firefighters, first responders, forestry crews and local agencies have been working long hours to protect homes, roads, power lines, timber land and communities in the fire’s path.

Governor Brian Kemp is expected to survey the fire response operations Tuesday. He will tour damaged areas by helicopter in Clinch and Echols counties and meet with first responders. He will be joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb, Georgia National Guard General Dwayne Wilson, state and local leaders and emergency management personnel.

WALB will be attending the governor’s visit and will provide updates from the briefing throughout the day.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.