Firefighters say setting fires on purpose is one of the best ways to protect against massive wildfires later. But the Trump administration is banning or stalling preventative burning across the U.S.
Brian Fennessy, new head of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, says his agency is 'trying to bring on additional aircraft and bring them on early,' and dismisses criticism of prevention methods.
A group of emergency experts wants the Trump administration to raise the bar for federal help after disasters, and also make it easier for survivors to get money quickly.
On the May 4 edition: One of Georgia's most high-profile ICE detainees has been released after 15 months in federal custody; Officials are investigating another possible spill in the Flint River; And volunteers with Habitat for Humanity return to Atlanta for the 40th Carter Work Project.
Many of the nation's overgrown forests are at high risk of burning. Under the Trump administration, work to reduce flammable vegetation fell by more than a million acres compared to previous years.
Wildfires are rising throughout South Georgia as most of region continues to experience extreme drought conditions. A burn ban has been issued for 91 counties in the south and central region of the state.
Wildfires in South Georgia continue to burn largely uncontained and spreading, prompting mandatory evacuations in one community and advice to much of the rest of the state about how safe it is to breathe outdoors.
Georgia recorded 4,041 wildfires in 2025, burning over 26,000 acres statewide, and the 2026 wildfire season is shaping up to be just as destructive. As of early April, more than half of the US is in a drought, causing wildfire activity to sharply increase.
States say disaster funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has slowed to a trickle under the Trump administration. That's delaying projects to protect communities from wildfires and hurricanes.
Transmission lines have been linked to the start of the Eaton fire in January. But another kind of line — distribution lines that power homes — were also wreaking havoc before that fire sparked.
A report released Thursday found that series of weaknesses, including "outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities," slowed the response to the January fires.
The Trump administration argues that rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule will help wildland firefighters. Fire researchers warn that more roads could exacerbate the problem.
