Macon, Middle Georgia have ‘increased risk’ of fast-spreading fires. Here’s why
Chances of fast-spreading fires are high this week in Middle Georgia, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters announced two fire hazard concerns that could last through Friday in Bibb, Peach, Houston, Jones, Twiggs and Baldwin counties, and the rest of central and northern areas of the state.
A Red Flag warning and Fire Danger statement were issued through 8 p.m. Tuesday, which means “warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds ... produce an increased risk of fire danger,” the NWS said.
Low relative humidity will dry up plants, and wind gusts up to 15 mph in Macon could cause fires to “spread rapidly,” NWS forecasters said on X.
Agricultural and grassy areas of Jones, Twiggs and Baldwin counties had “abnormally dry” conditions this week, according to a weekly drought monitoring map from the NWS. Bibb, Houston and Peach counties are not in a drought.
Thunderstorms could return by late Saturday and carry into Sunday from Central to North Georgia, the NWS said.
Much of the Southeastern U.S. had a higher than normal potential for “significant wildland fire(s)“ between at least March and April, a predictive fire map by the NWS shows.
No burning allowed in Macon
The NWS and Bibb County Fire Department urged people not to burn anything outdoors during this time.
No burn permits are being issued in Macon during burning season, according to Bibb County Fire Safety Educator Sgt. Jeremy Webb. A permit from the fire department is required for an individual to burn natural vegetation in their yard, depending on weather conditions.
“If we (weren’t) on this ban, you could get a burn permit to burn outdoor debris like stems, sticks, things like that,” Webb told The Telegraph.
The fire department will not increase supplies or staff, or change protocols to prepare for the increased risk of fires. The department is fully staffed with firefighters on-call 24/7, Webb said.
People should immediately call 911 to notify first responders about a fire.
“Fires can spread dramatically, very quickly, which could damage property and cause wood fires,” he said. “The quicker we can get there, the quicker we can contain and isolate it to that one area.”
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 1:54 PM.