Fast-moving wildfires in southern Georgia destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundred of evacuations, as Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday declared a state of emergency, prompting road closures and burn bans. 

The Brantley County fire in southeast Georgia has burned approximately 5,000 acres and was about 10% contained as of Wednesday night. County officials said that about 50 homes have been destroyed in the blaze and approximately 1,000 remain under threat.

In the community of Waynesville, block after block was reduced to ash. Smoke could be seen rising from the ruins, with homes and cars destroyed. Charred and twisted, firefighters were struggling to contain the flames.

"This fire became a lot larger than we thought it would be," Brantley County Manager Joey Carson told reporters. "We've got resources that have come from all over South Georgia."

High winds and extreme drought conditions have sparked dozens of new fires over last few days. According to the Georgia Forestry Association, at least 27,000 acres were burning across the region.

"These winds may shift rapidly which will create unpredictable fire behavior, so just stay alert, and for the public, be prepared to evacuate immediately," Brantley County Sheriff Len Davis said in a news briefing.

About 65 miles away from Brantley County, nearly 100 firefighters were battling the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County, which had exploded to about 16,500 acres as of Wednesday night and was 10% contained. The fire had reached nearby bays and swamps, which contributed to the challenging firefighting conditions. Some residents of nearby Echols County were evacuated due to the danger.

As part of his emergency order, Kemp directed the Georgia Forestry Commission and other agencies to mobilize resources to help with the response. He also prohibited any form of price gouging. FEMA resources were also expected to arrive.

Residents across metro Atlanta reported heavy smoke and a strong smell of burning. The smoke drifting north is tied to multiple active fires, according to the commission. Officials said dry conditions and wind are pushing smoke across the region, at times reducing visibility and affecting air quality. 

Burn ban issued for 91 Georgia counties

Georgia officials have also placed the 91 counties that are included in the emergency order under a burn ban order.

"Starting today, much of South and Central Georgia are under a burn ban as we continue to respond to wildfires and deal with ongoing drought conditions," Kemp wrote on X. "We're asking all Georgians to do your part in preventing the spread of wildfires as response teams work around the clock to contain those currently blazing."

Kemp said that his office is working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in the region.

In an administrative order, the Georgia Forestry Commission cited "exceptional drought conditions" and an unusually high number of active wildfires. The agency said many of the fires were sparked by outdoor burning.

"The conditions are unusually hazardous," the order reads. "Continued burning poses a serious risk to life and property."

Mandatory evacuations in South Georgia over wildfire threat

Officials described the Brantley County fire as dynamic and unpredictable, driven by shifting winds that could quickly change its direction and intensity.

Carson said the fire expanded dramatically in just hours, growing from about 700 acres Tuesday morning to nearly 5,000 acres by Tuesday evening. 

Authorities issued evacuations in affected areas and warned other residents to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. In Brantley County, the mandatory evacuation order covers all of Browntown Road from Highway 82 to Greeleaf on the westside of the highway.

"If you are outside the mandatory evacuation area and feel unsafe, please evacuate now," Brantley County officials wrote on Facebook.

Davis urged those who may need extra time, including people with pets or medical needs, to evacuate early. Officials says residents should use Highway 32 as a primary evacuation route and avoiding several closed roadways, including portions of U.S. 82 and Highway 110.

Officials said at least 25 people were in emergency shelters, with more expected as conditions evolve.