South Georgia wildfires displace families as record drought fuels extreme weather

Families forced to flee fast-moving wildfires in South Georgia are now finding temporary shelter and support as communities rally to help.

(CNN)- Families forced to flee fast-moving wildfires in South Georgia are now finding temporary shelter and support as communities rally to help.

At Oaks on the River, evacuees are checking in—many still in shock after leaving their homes behind.

“Honestly, I think they’re in shock. It’s very quiet,” said Director of Sales Shawn Kinnear. “They’re just really scared of what’s going to happen next.”

The fires, burning across areas including Brantley County and Camden County, have already destroyed homes—leaving some residents with nothing but ash where their houses once stood.

Officials warn the situation remains dangerous and unpredictable.

“This continues to be a very high-threat environment with a lot of unknowns,” said Camden County Emergency Management Director Chuck White.

The fires are being fueled by extreme drought conditions across the region.

“Very low humidity, high fire danger indicators with wind,” said Brantley County Sheriff Len Davis.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly two-thirds of the continental United States is currently experiencing drought—marking the largest spring drought on record.

The extreme conditions are not only driving wildfires in the Southeast but also contributing to severe weather across the country.

In Oklahoma, a powerful “stovepipe” tornado touched down in north-central parts of the state, staying on the ground for more than 30 minutes and causing injuries and significant damage.

Officials say the combination of drought, wildfire risk and severe storms highlights a volatile and dangerous weather pattern affecting multiple regions at once.