National Guard deployed as state of emergency declared for Middle Georgia counties

Gov. Kemp order includes Bibb, Houston, and other local counties as wildfires spread in South Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for multiple counties across Georgia due to ongoing wildfires and worsening drought conditions, including several in Middle Georgia.

The order includes the following counties in the 41NBC coverage area: Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, Telfair, Treutlen, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkinson.

Wildfires and drought driving emergency

The declaration cites severe drought conditions across southeastern Georgia, along with an elevated fire danger fueled by low humidity and gusty winds.

Since April 18, the Georgia Forestry Commission has responded to more than 90 wildfires statewide.

Two of the largest fires include the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties, which has burned more than 16,000 acres, and the Highway 82 wildfire in Brantley County, which has burned more than 5,000 acres.

Under the order, all state resources are being made available to assist with wildfire response and recovery efforts. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency will activate the state’s emergency operations plan.

The order also directs state agencies to coordinate response efforts and support emergency operations as needed.

National Guard deployed, price protections included

The governor’s order allows for up to 150 Georgia National Guard troops to be deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts.

The order also prohibits price gouging related to goods and services needed during the emergency, including fuel.

Burn ban included in order

The statewide burn ban issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission for 91 counties is incorporated into the state of emergency.

Officials said the combination of drought conditions, dry fuel, and ongoing fires poses a significant threat to property, infrastructure, and public safety.

The state of emergency took effect today and will remain in place for 30 days, expiring May 22 at 11:59 p.m., unless extended.