GAForestryCommission

State agency providing leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of GA's forest resources

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

Congratulations to GFC Management Forester Jeff Kastle for earning the 2025 US Forest Service Forester Award. Kastle was recognized for his outstanding stewardship and service to Georgia's private landowners that will benefit Georgia's forests for years to come.

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🌲 Congratulations to Chris Howell, named the Georgia Forestry Commission’s new Associate Chief of Forest Management.

Chris will help support forest management operations across Georgia and continue serving Georgia landowners and forests.

📖 https://t.co/vrL1lYpo8s

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Ruby Bynum

Ruby has served as an Administrative Assistant with GFC for 10 years, bringing a true servant’s heart to her work in GFC's Region 4.

“We’re like family. I love everybody!” 💚

Thank you, Ruby, for all you do.

#GeorgiaForestry #EmployeeSpotlight #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🐛 The Georgia Forestry Commission’s 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Prediction Survey Report is now available.

50 traps in 50 counties showed a statewide average of 26.0 SPB per trap/day (moderate range). 4 counties fell in the high range.

📊 https://t.co/3oaWy2QoME

#GeorgiaForestry #ForestHealth

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🌱 Cogongrass is more than just an invasive plant—it’s a serious threat to Georgia forests.

Our latest Georgia Forestry Forum explores the impacts and why early action matters.

🎧 Listen here: https://t.co/o28IDylXmU

#EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We remember.

#MemorialDay

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🚒 Ready for the field.

This newly completed fire knocker is headed to help strengthen local wildfire response through Georgia’s Rural Fire Defense Program.

Wildfire response takes teamwork—and partnerships like these help protect Georgia communities.

#GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

📬 The latest Georgia Forestry Commission e-Newsletter is out!

Catch up on wildfire updates, forestry news, programs, and more.

📖 https://t.co/lJO6uoo7pq

#GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/19/26)

In the last seven days, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 56 wildfires that burned a combined 249.6 acres statewide.

These numbers do not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,031 acres and remains 90% contained (acreage decreased due to more accurate mapping)
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,419 acres and remains 90% contained

While containment remains strong, both of these fires are still active. Crews continue daily monitoring for hotspots, smoke, and potential reburns as mop-up operations continue.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue to stay out of active fire areas unless absolutely necessary
➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations—active airspace restrictions may still be in place
➡️ Use caution if traveling near fire areas where smoke may impact visibility
➡️ For road closure information, please check directly with your local authorities
➡️ Even with improving conditions, wildfire prevention still matters—one spark can quickly become a wildfire

📲 Stay informed:
• Active wildfire information: https://t.co/dxFR7fjBvg
• Wildfire updates, resources, and safety information: https://t.co/sU56FLSdE7

Thank you to the firefighters, pilots, dispatchers, emergency managers, partner agencies, and communities who continue supporting wildfire response efforts across Georgia.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 An invasive plant that makes wildfires burn hotter?

In the latest Georgia Forestry Forum, we break down the threat of cogongrass—including how it can intensify wildfire behavior.

🎧 Listen here: https://t.co/o28IDylXmU

#EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 Why Are Firefighters Still Out There? This is why.

What you’re seeing in this photo is a reburn caused by needlecast—a common wildfire challenge in Georgia’s pine forests.

Needlecast happens when dry pine needles fall in thick layers across the forest floor. Those needles create highly flammable fuel that can hold heat, smolder unnoticed, and reignite long after the main fire front has passed.

That’s exactly why mop-up operations are so critical.

Even when containment numbers improve and flames are no longer making headlines, hidden heat can remain. A single hotspot in heavy needlecast can flare back up, cross containment lines, and put firefighters, nearby communities, and property at risk all over again.

This photo was taken a couple of days ago on the Highway 82 Fire—a reminder that these are still active incidents, and the work is not done.

Mop-up may not be the most visible part of wildfire response, but it is some of the most important work our crews do.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireEducation #WildfireResponse #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🚁 If You Fly, We Can’t.

The Pineland Road Fire and Highway 82 Fire are both still active wildfires, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) remain in place over both incidents.

Flying a drone over or near these fires doesn’t just put your drone at risk—it puts our wildfire response operations at risk.

When unauthorized drones enter wildfire airspace:
➡️ Fire suppression aircraft may be forced to stop operations
➡️ Critical aerial suppression missions can be delayed
➡️ Ground crews may be impacted as suppression strategy changes
➡️ Lives, property, and firefighter safety are put at greater risk

These fires may be showing progress, but they are not out.

Please help us finish this fight safely: leave the drones at home and take them somewhere else to fly.

If you fly, we can’t.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireSafety #NoDrones #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #GeorgiaForestry

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 If the fire is contained, why are firefighters still working?

The answer: mop-up.

Hidden heat can smolder underground for days or weeks, especially in peat and swamp systems, creating the risk of reignition.

Learn why this phase matters:
https://t.co/O6MhKI7rro

#EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/14/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 1 new wildfire that burned 1.5 acres statewide.

This does not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and remains 90% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

Both large fires remain active, with crews continuing mop-up operations, monitoring hotspots, and working to ensure the fires stay within containment lines.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue to stay out of active fire areas and respect any road closures or restricted access points
➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations—aircraft may still be working in affected areas
➡️ Use caution when traveling near fire zones, especially where smoke may impact visibility
➡️ Even with improving conditions, wildfire prevention remains critical—one spark can still start a fire

📲 Stay informed:
• Active wildfire information: https://t.co/dxFR7fjBvg
• Wildfire updates, safety information, and resources: https://t.co/sU56FLSdE7

We remain grateful to the firefighters, pilots, dispatchers, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing this work through the final stages of these incidents.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🌲 Congratulations to Ryan Phillips, named the Georgia Forestry Commission’s first Associate Chief of Markets and Innovation.

In this new role, he’ll help strengthen Georgia’s forest economy, foster innovation, and develop new opportunities for the forest sector.

📖 https://t.co/dsgkeQPVQ6

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

As wildfire conditions improve, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted in all counties.

🔗 Executive Order: https://t.co/cd1AGJ0OSq

This is welcome progress—and a testament to the incredible work of wildland firefighters, first responders, and partner agencies who have worked around the clock over the past several weeks.

⚠️ A few important reminders:
➡️ While the State Forester’s wildfire burn ban has been lifted, some counties may still have local burn restrictions or ordinances in place. Always check with local officials before conducting outdoor burning.
➡️ The Georgia EPD summer burn ban is still in effect for 54 counties, primarily in and around metro Atlanta, through October 1. That seasonal restriction remains in place regardless of current wildfire conditions.
➡️ Even with improved conditions, parts of Georgia remain dry, and wildfire risk has not disappeared. It still only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

We’re grateful for the progress being made—and for every Georgian who helped by taking precautions, following restrictions, and supporting wildfire response efforts.

For current wildfire updates, safety information, and resources, visit:
🔗 https://t.co/sU56FLSdE7

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#GeorgiaForestry #WildfireSafety #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/12/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 2 new wildfires that burned 0.3 acres statewide.

This does not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 90% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

Containment continues to improve, but both fires remain active and crews are still working in affected areas.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue to avoid active fire areas unless absolutely necessary
➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations and firefighting aircraft
➡️ Use extra caution on roadways where smoke or fire equipment may be present
➡️ Follow all directions from local officials, including road closures and access restrictions

📍 Road closure information has been updated on our wildfire information and resources page.

Even with progress, drought conditions continue to keep wildfire danger elevated in parts of Georgia. Prevention still matters.

📲 Stay informed:
• Wildfire updates, road closures, and resources: https://t.co/sU56FLSdE7
• Active wildfire information: https://t.co/dxFR7fjBvg

Thank you to the firefighters, pilots, dispatchers, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing this important work.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

✈️ Meet one of Georgia Forestry Commission’s SEATs — our Single Engine Air Tankers.

These aircraft are a critical tool in Georgia’s wildfire response, helping crews slow fire spread and support firefighters on the ground during active wildfires.

🔥 Fun Facts About Our SEATs:
💧 Each aircraft can carry 500 gallons of water/suppressant
⏱️ They can be refilled in approximately 2.5 minutes
🚁 Drop speed is around 110 MPH
🌲 Drops are typically made about 90 feet above the ground — or 60–70 feet above the tallest obstacles in forested areas

To make water drops more effective, we add an environmentally friendly suppressant called BlazeTamer to the water mixture.

Our SEATs operate from airports across Georgia and are often supported by local fire departments helping refill aircraft between missions. During wildfire operations, another aircraft is usually overhead serving as “Air Attack” — coordinating aircraft, communicating with firefighters on the ground, and helping ensure drops are accurate and effective.

Wildfire response takes teamwork from the ground to the air — and these aircraft play an important role in protecting lives, property, and Georgia’s forests.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#GeorgiaForestry #WildfireResponse #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #SEAT #Aviation

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible moms out there — and a special thank you to the mothers of our wildland firefighters and first responders.

Thank you for the love, strength, encouragement, and sacrifice behind the scenes. Your support helps make this work possible, especially during long days and difficult wildfire seasons.

Today, we celebrate you. 💚

#MothersDay #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders

[GAForestryCommission @GaTrees]

🔥 Wildfire Update – Georgia (5/10/26)

Yesterday, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to no new wildfires statewide.

This does not include:
• The Pineland Rd Fire, which has burned 32,575 acres and is now 87% contained
• The Highway 82 Fire, which has burned 22,420 acres and remains 90% contained

We’re continuing to see strong progress on both fires, but crews are still actively working to secure containment lines, monitor hotspots, and respond to changing conditions.

⚠️ Safety Reminders:
➡️ Please continue to stay out of active fire areas unless necessary
➡️ 🚁 Keep drones away from wildfire operations and firefighting aircraft
➡️ Use caution when traveling through smoky areas or around fire equipment
➡️ Follow all directions from local officials and emergency personnel

Although recent wildfire activity has slowed, drought conditions remain in parts of Georgia and wildfire risk has not gone away. Continued prevention efforts are critical.

📲 Stay informed:
• Active wildfire information: https://t.co/dxFR7fjBvg
• Wildfire updates and resources: https://t.co/sU56FLSdE7

Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, pilots, emergency managers, and partner agencies continuing to protect Georgia communities and forests.

Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia.

#WildfireUpdate #GeorgiaForestry #EmergencyResponse #FirstResponders #OneLessSpark