#GeorgiaWildfires | AM 1180 Radio

May 9, 2026

IRS Extends Tax Deadlines for Southeast Georgia Wildfire Victims

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The Internal Revenue Service has announced federal tax relief for individuals and businesses impacted by wildfires and straight-line winds in Southeast Georgia beginning April 18, 2026. Affected taxpayers in Clinch, Echols, and Brantley counties now have until August 20, 2026, to file various federal tax returns and make tax payments.

The relief applies to tax deadlines that originally fell between April 18 and August 20, 2026. This includes individual income tax returns, quarterly payroll and excise tax returns, estimated tax payments, and several business-related filings. The IRS says penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due between April 18 and May 4 will also be waived if payments are made by May 4.

Taxpayers living or operating businesses outside the disaster area, but whose records are located in the impacted counties, may also qualify for relief by contacting the IRS Special Services hotline. The agency says additional counties could later be added to the disaster declaration area.

The IRS also reminded residents that qualified wildfire relief payments may be excluded from taxable income and that some retirement plan hardship withdrawals may qualify for special disaster-related tax treatment. Free tax preparation assistance remains available through programs such as VITA, TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, and IRS Free File.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

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As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

April 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Fire Danger And Near-Record Heat Tighten Grip On Chattooga County And Northwest Georgia

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A Fire Danger Statement remains in effect across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia as a prolonged stretch of hot, dry weather continues to elevate wildfire risks across the region. Emergency officials and forecasters warn that conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for fires to ignite and spread rapidly, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours when humidity levels drop the lowest.

April 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

High Fire Danger Continues Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia Through Weekend

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Residents across Chattooga County and the broader Northwest Georgia region should remain on alert as high fire danger conditions persist through the weekend. Dry weather, low humidity, and warming temperatures are creating an elevated risk for wildfire activity.