Wildfires are a problem in the South... and they are much more difficult to control

Wildfires are not just a Western U.S. issue—the South is increasingly at risk, especially Georgia. Even though the number of wildfires has declined in recent years, their size and severity are increasing and experts warn the trend is only getting worse. The uniqueness of the region makes southern states particularly vulnerable. Contributing factors like prolonged widespread droughts, climate change, rapid population growth near fire-prone areas, and the predominance of privately owned forests complicates coordinated fire management efforts. The AJC's Koralie Barrau took a deep dive into wildfires after some broke out in Georgia and South Carolina in early 2025. Credits: AJC | Getty Images | AP | ABC | X: @liamswx, @edpiotrowski | TikTok: @thebellamylife, @chadbrackin1983 | Georgia Forestry Commission | American Geophysical Union | Southern Regional Climate Center | National Integrated Drought Information System | Pew Research | NASA | Southern Group of State Foresters | The Western Planner | Office of the Governor Henry McMaster | Advancing Earth and Space Sciences | 13WMAZ | PlantMaps.com | NPR | South Carolina Forestry Commission | World Resources Institute