Wildfire in Clinch, Georgia

The Sargent wildfire developed in northwest Baker county, northern Osceola National Forest on April 2, 2026 around 350 PM EDT. The smoke plume extended northward affecting local roads near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and into Waycross, GA. On April 3rd, the Florida Forest Service reported the Sargent Fire quickly grew to about 4,000 acres moving into Columbia and Clinch counties. The highway between Fargo, GA and John Bethea State Forest in Florida was closed (Highway 2 in Florida and Highway 94 in Georgia). The majority of the fire was burning in Florida but it had crossed into southern Georgia. On the evening of April 3rd, the fire was now estimated at 2,720 acres and 50% contained following improved mapping. On April 5th, Florida Highway 2 and Georgia Highway 94 were now only closed at night due to potential low visibility from fog and smoke. Light rain on April 5th and 6th was not enough to help put out the fire. On April 11th, the fire was 81% contained at 2,489 acres. On April 15th, reburn in the swamp occurred due to hot and dry weather. On April 20th, the acreage increased to 2,523 acres due to spotfires which are caused by flying sparks or embers carried by the wind from an existing fire and ignite a new fire. No structures were threatened. Breezy winds, extreme to exceptional drought conditions, lack of beneficial rain, and remaining heavy fuels continued elevated fire activity through the month of April.

Extreme to exceptional drought continued or worsened for the majority of the region throughout the month of April. This, combined with many days of breezy to gusty wind conditions, resulted in a number of wildfires.