Waycross, Georgia – Wildfires could spread quickly by early afternoon as strong northwest winds and critically dry air move across southeast Georgia, creating dangerous fire conditions through 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday for Pierce, Brantley, Inland Camden, Coastal Camden and Northern Ware counties. Northwest winds will range from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is expected to fall as low as 20 percent while temperatures climb to around 68 degrees, further drying vegetation already stressed by ongoing drought.
Communities including Waycross, Nahunta and Kingsland face the highest risk during peak afternoon winds. Dry brush along U.S. 82, U.S. 301 and Interstate 95 could ignite quickly from equipment sparks, roadside debris or discarded cigarettes. Ongoing fires may become difficult to contain as gusts push flames across open fields and wooded areas.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure trailer chains and delay activities that could produce sparks. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect Monday afternoon and evening, signaling another round of elevated wildfire risk across all of southeast Georgia.
