The Highway 82 Fire – believed to have been sparked by a children’s party balloon on a power line – has destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Georgia’s history.

An unusually large number of wildfires are burning this spring across the Southeast, where scientists say the threat of fire has been amplified by a combination of drought, gusty winds and climate change.

Officials say more evacuations may be necessary for more residents near a large wildfire that has destroyed dozens of homes in rural southeast Georgia.

More than 100 firefighters are battling fast-moving wildfires in Florida and Georgia that have destroyed homes, threatened dozens more and forced hundreds to evacuate as extreme drought and strong winds drive the flames.

Two large wildfires burning in drought-stricken southeast Georgia have destroyed more than 120 homes and are threatening nearly 1,000 more. Gov. Brian Kemp told reporters after touring the fire area

Wildfires across Florida and Georgia have resulted in a firefighter's death and the destruction of over 120 homes, with thousands more at risk. Investigations link the fires to a foil balloon and welding activities.

At least 90 homes have been burned in Georgia and major roads were closed as firefighters work to contain wildfires.

While wildfires are often the domain of the West Coast, blazes along the Florida-Georgia border show that hot and dry conditions anywhere can set them off. What's happening? AccuW