Burn Ban issued for Seminole County and all SWGA counties
An Outdoor Burn Ban has been issued for Southwest Georgia due to worsening drought conditions and rising wildfire activity. Georgia’s State Forester has issued a mandatory ban on outdoor burning for 91 counties in the lower half of the state. This is the first mandatory burn ban in Georgia Forestry Commission history.
The ban which covers all of Seminole County is effective immediately and will remain in place for at least 30 days. This means no prescribed burns, no burning yard debris, and no agricultural burning.
98% of Georgia is in moderate to exceptional drought levels. Wildfires are already above the five-year average. As State Forester Johnny Sabo said: “Just one spark or ember can ignite a life-threatening wildfire.”
Donalsonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Dean King reported last week that a burn ban was in effect until further notice inside of the city limits of Donalsonville.
According to Seminole County ANR Agent Justin E. Odom drought conditions continue to intensify across Seminole County, where 83.94% of the county is now classified as D4 “Exceptional Drought,” the most severe level on the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Floridan Aquifer, a primary water source for local agriculture, remains in “red” condition after months of below-normal rainfall. Groundwater levels have dropped significantly, with current depths averaging 15 or more feet lower than typical levels.
Rainfall deficits are driving the decline. In 2025, the area received about 13 inches less rain than the three-year average.
Since November, rainfall has been down roughly six inches, limiting the aquifer’s ability to recharge during a critical period. According to University of Georgia Extension climatologist Pam Knox, relief is not expected soon. “Conditions will be as dry as a bone for the next week,” Knox said, noting that “there is essentially no rain in the forecast until April 23 or later.”
The dry conditions have forced farmers to begin irrigating earlier than usual, particularly for corn and wheat, with additional demand expected as peanut and cotton planting begins.
At the same time, many surface water sources are already below 50% capacity. Rising input costs are adding to the strain, with diesel for irrigation pumping averaging about roughly $22 per acre-inch.
Combined with uncertain water availability, producers face difficult decisions heading into the growing season.
Without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, Seminole County, and the entire Southwest Georgia region could see further declines in water levels, increased irrigation limitations, and ultimately a reduction in crop yields.
