South Georgia wildfires destroy homes, trigger statewide burn ban

Wildfires raging across South Georgia near the Florida border are leaving devastation in their wake, destroying homes and forcing communities into recovery mode.

(CNN) –  The Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 Fire have burned thousands of acres across areas including Brantley County and Camden County, damaging or destroying dozens of structures.

“We tried to save your house… we couldn’t do nothing. It’s too late,” one responder said in a heartbreaking moment captured on scene.

Officials say the fires have spread rapidly due to shifting winds and dry conditions.

“Within five minutes, it went from smoke to a fire,” said Brantley County manager Joey Cason. “This is a very dynamic situation.”

Emergency crews are now focused on recovery, with state resources being brought in to help those who have lost everything.

“We’re pulling in resources… to start working through the issues for those impacted,” said Camden County emergency management director Chuck White.

The impact is being felt far beyond the fire zones. Smoke has drifted hundreds of miles, affecting air quality in Atlanta. In response, the Georgia Forestry Commission has issued the first mandatory statewide burn ban in Georgia’s history. Amid the destruction, local communities are stepping up to help. At Twin Rivers Baptist Church in Brantley County, volunteers are providing meals and support for families in need.

“We just felt like we needed to do something,” said volunteer Claudia Waldron. “That’s what our community does—we help each other.”