Georgia's Environmental Protection Division declared a statewide Drought Response Level 1 on April 27, signaling growing concern over dry conditions that have fueled massive wildfires in the southern part of the state.
The declaration requires public water systems to conduct information campaigns helping residents understand the need for conservation. While Level 1 is the lowest tier of drought response, it comes as firefighters battle blazes that have burned over 38,000 acres across Georgia this spring.
The Highway 82 fire in Brantley County and the Pineland Road fire in Clinch County remain the largest active wildfires. Governor Brian Kemp visited south Georgia Tuesday to assess damage and meet with crews on the front lines. Weekend rain brought some relief, slowing containment efforts, but dry conditions and high temperatures continue to strain resources.
In metro Atlanta, the drought has impacted gardeners and increased fire risk in Fulton County. Fire crews are asking residents to avoid outdoor burning and practice water conservation as the state monitors conditions.