Fire departments from northwest Georgia are answering the call to assist with massive wildfires burning across south Georgia, with Dade County crews among the first to deploy as part of a statewide mutual aid effort.
Dade County/West Brow Fire and Rescue sent a truck with four personnel to Brantley County on April 24, joining firefighters from across the state working to contain multiple active fires that have already scorched tens of thousands of acres.
The response comes after a request issued through the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, calling for 10 engines, 10 tankers and 10 wildland units. Several departments from the northwest corner of the state stepped in, including Catoosa County Fire Department, McLemore Fire, Lookout Mountain Fire Department and Fannin County Fire Department.
Officials say the fires have burned more than 50,000 acres across south Georgia, with Brantley County among the hardest-hit areas. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, crews responded to eight new wildfires on April 28 alone. Two of the largest fires — the Pinelane Road fire and the Highway 82 fire — remain active, with containment levels at 23% and 32% as of April 29.
Catoosa County Fire Department has deployed multiple crews and resources, including firefighters and tanker trucks, in response to an urgent statewide request issued over the weekend. Crews began operations Sunday, with additional personnel and supplies sent midweek.
Catoosa County Public Information Officer John Pless said the scale of destruction underscores the importance of the mutual aid effort.
“We’re talking about an area that’s been devastated by tens of thousands of acres of fire. More than 100 homes have been burned, vehicles. So, we’re just happy to answer the call,” Pless said.
Firefighters are working 12-hour shifts in challenging conditions, rotating in and out every few days. Their mission includes patrolling fire zones, identifying hotspots and extinguishing flames. Crews are also managing heavy water usage, with some teams going through thousands of gallons in a single day while battling persistent flare-ups.
Support from the community has also followed the firefighters south. The Ringgold Eastern Star Chapter donated water, sports drinks and other supplies to assist crews during deployment.
As containment efforts continue, northwest Georgia departments — led in part by Dade County’s early response — remain committed to helping protect homes, property and lives in the fire-stricken regions of the state.