Gov Lifts Burn Ban on Tift, Most Counties

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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Tifton, Georgia

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The Georgia Forestry Commission and firefighters from across the state continue working to keep wildfires contained but warn that the fires are not yet extinguished.

GOV LIFTS BURN BAN ON MOST COUNTIES, INCLUDING TIFT

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Firefighters continue making progress in containing two major South Georgia wildfires, and Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Tuesday lifted the temporary state of emergency and burn ban for all but 17 counties.

Initially, 91 counties were affected, including Tift. Tuesday's action keeps the emergency and. burn ban in effect only for Berrien, Coffee, Lowndes, Clinch, Echols, Brantley, Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne counties.

Those counties continue to face extreme drought and elevated wildfire risk, authorities said.

"Although the risk of wildfires remains high, favorable weather conditions have lowered the risk in many areas, and in consultation with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, I have determined that the state of emergency for Georgia wildfires can be lifted in many of the affected counties," Kemp said in his executive order.

This means that Tift countians are now allowed to resume limited outdoor burning, but the Georgia Forestry Commission warns that extreme caution is still critical. Dry conditions remain across much of the state, and it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.

The Forestry Commission said Tuesday that the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties, holding at 32,575 acres, is now 50% contained, and the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County is holding at 22,471 acres and is now 85% contained.

"Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged to secure lines and prevent any flare-ups," the Forestry Commission said. "Continue to avoid fire areas — operations are still underway. Keep drones grounded — aircraft need clear airspace; stay alert for smoke impacts, especially while traveling; and follow guidance from local officials as conditions evolve. Even with strong progress, these fires are not out, and conditions can still change."

Within the past day, the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to 10 new wildfires, burning 13.19 acres statewide.

Pictured from left are TRMC Child Life Specialist Laurel Lamb, TRMC Pediatric Nurse Manager Jennifer Yancey, and Sara Roman and Deidre Martin, both with PCOM South Georgia. Martin is also treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Tifton.

PROGRAM OFFERS BOOKS TO TRMC PEDIATRICS UNIT

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Pediatrics Unit has partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Tifton on an initiative, "Wild About Reading," which provides hospitalized children and teens access to books during their hospital stay.

Children may also take books home with them after being discharged.

The Kiwanis Club of Tifton ensures the reading cart on the TRMC Pediatrics Unit remains consistently stocked with books through ongoing donations. This includes recently contributed health-related and activity books from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia and the Community Wellness Initiative.

“This program promotes reading, improves health literacy, and offers a positive distraction during hospital stays,” said TRMC Pediatric Nurse Manager Jennifer Yancey. “We are delighted to be able to offer this program for the valued kids we serve."

TCHS CLASS OF 1971 CREATING SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF WATER 'DOG' BURGESS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Tift County High School (TCHS) Class of 1971 is seeking to honor one of its late classmates with the Walter Burgess Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Walter "Dog" Burgess was a longtime fixture on the sidelines of Tift County High athletic contests, serving as TCHS athletics manager for 47 years. He died in November at age 72.

In its appeal letter for the scholarship fund, the Class of '71 wrote that Burgess "dedicated his life to the Tift County High School Athletic Department, Tift County Recreation Department, Tifton Special Olympics, and more than 30 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Tifton Fire Department. Walter is one of Tifton’s true treasures with the likes we may never see again. His legacy is cemented in his genuine care, concern for others, and his strong moral character.

"Walter believed deeply that participation in sports and community service helped to create discipline, confidence, and the opportunity for a full life. His own life served as an example of the power of sports and community service. Even though he bore a physical handicap by the polio epidemic of the 1950s, he led a courageous life of love and inspiration. His influences were profound and far reaching," his high school class wrote.

His classmates hope to raise $100,000 to provide annual scholarships to a deserving male and female student who reflect the same character, work ethic, and heart that Walter "Dog" demonstrated throughout his life.

Known as "Mr. Blue Devil," Burgess was inducted into the Tift County Athletic Hall of Fame and had missed only Blue Devil football game in nearly a half century – and that was only because he had the flu.

Thus far, $1,400 has been raised online through GoFundMe. Tax-deductible contributions may be made online here or may be mailed to: Walter Burgess Fund c/o Johnny Spurlin, PO. Box 7566, Tifton, GA 31793.

"Three Amigos" get in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday during the opening luncheon for Older Americans Month in Tift County. From left are Ebony Downs and Kelly Golden, who work at Maple Court Senior Care, and Jane Sinclair, a Maple Court resident.

TIFT OLDER AMERICANS MONTH BEGINS WITH CINCO de MAYO LUNCH

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Tift County kicked off Older Americans Month on Tuesday at Leroy Rogers Senior Center (LRSC) with a Cinco de Mayo taco lunch with karaoke, comedy, a bit of line dancing, and spontaneous spiritual singing.

The event was sponsored by Cypress Pond Senior Care, Legacy Village, and Maple Court Senior Care. Becky Jones, executive officer of Maple Court Senior Care, capped off the event with an authentic rendition of “La Bamba.”

With the theme “Champion Your Health,” Older American Month (OAM) will be observed in the next four weeks of activities in Tifton. The theme focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in managing their health, accessing preventive care, and advocating for themselves.

All events are free to seniors age 60 and older. Here are the month’s events:

• Thursday, May 7: 7 p.m., National Day of Prayer service, Tifton Veterans Park.

• Monday, May 1: 2 p.m. Circus carnival, LRSC.

• Tuesday, May 12: Noon-3 p.m., Bingo and Lunch, First Baptist Church (FBC).

• Wednesday, May 13: 10 a.m., Healthy Brain Habits with the Alzheimer’s Association, LRSC.

• Friday, May 15: 11:30 a.m., Senior Fish Fry, LRSC.

• Friday, May 15: 7 p.m., SELF (Seniors Enjoying Life Forever) Dance, LRSC.

• Monday, May 18: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Senior Bowling, Tift County Lanes.

• Tuesday, May 19: 10 a.m., Mu Mu's & Mimosas, LRSC.

• Thursday, May 21: 10 a.m., Being Your Best Self program with Ice Cream Sundae Bar, LRSC.

• Tuesday, May 26: 10 a.m., Senior Car Show, LRSC.

• Thursday, May 28: 11:30 a.m., OAM Finale, George A. Wright Award Announced, FBC.

OAM was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy as "Seniors Citizens Month." It was renamed "Older Americans Month" in 1965, marking a dedicated time to recognize the contributions of older Americans and highlight issues related to aging. It is celebrated every May, with a yearly theme set by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“This gives us, as a community, a wonderful opportunity to spotlight our seniors while also showing how they are still an important and functional part of our communities,” said Tift County OAM Chair Tonya Payne.

For information, contact Payne, 229-560-0716; Co-Chairman Shane Martin, 229-507-4723; or Treasurer Natasha Patrick, 229-256-1328.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Stilwell Premium Buildings

15 U.S. Highway 319 N., Tifton

May 1

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

"Pikachu" says "Pick me!" This baby is one of many kittens at the Tift County Animal Shelter ready to trade a kennel for a couch. Visit them and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

TIFT SEEKING PURE WATER

~ MAY 8, 1891

Tifton founder H.H. Tift, in order to obtain the purest water possible, on May 8, 1891, announced that he was having an artesian well bored to a depth of at least 1,000 feet, and possibly deeper if initial results were not satisfactory.

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