Athens, GA – Much of North and Central Georgia is under elevated fire danger today, with forecasters warning that a combination of dry air, gusty winds, and dry vegetation could allow fires to spread rapidly through this evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, relative humidity values will drop to 25% or lower for four or more hours this afternoon across a wide stretch of the state, including counties from Banks and Jackson southward through Bibb, Houston, Laurens, and Toombs. Northwest winds between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, will heighten the fire risk.
Dry fuels across the region—especially leaf litter and grasses—are expected to ignite and spread more easily under these conditions. Officials strongly recommend avoiding outdoor burning and checking with local burn-permitting agencies before any ignition.
A separate alert from the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg highlights additional fire danger specifically in northeast Georgia, including Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart, and Elbert counties, where humidity will also fall below 25% and northwest winds may reach 14 mph. Fine fuels in this area are drying rapidly, further increasing the risk of fast-moving fires.
The combination of low humidity and wind makes it difficult for fires to self-extinguish, even when small. Any sparks from equipment, grilling, or debris burning could spread quickly.
Residents are urged to use extreme caution, avoid burning when possible, and report any smoke or fire activity to local authorities. Fire danger conditions are expected to ease later tonight as humidity rises.
