Governor Brian Kemp said two massive wildfires in southeast Georgia have destroyed more than 120 structures, marking what officials believe is the most homes lost in any single wildfire in the state's history. The Highway 82 fire in rural Brantley County has burned over 7,500 acres and 87 homes, while the Pineland Road fire has consumed more than 31,000 acres.

A volunteer firefighter died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency while battling a blaze northwest of Jacksonville, Florida. The Highway 82 fire was sparked by a metallic party balloon striking a power line, Kemp noted. About 1,000 homes remain at risk, with smoke spreading as far as West Virginia. The blazes are among dozens of wildfires tearing through southern Georgia and northern Florida amid extreme drought conditions.

Georgia declared its first-ever burn ban and issued a state of emergency, prompting evacuations in several communities. The Pineland Road fire destroyed 35 homes and was only 10% contained Friday morning. Florida's drought is the worst since the U.S. Drought Monitor began tracking in 2000, with the region recording precipitation deficits of 16 to 20 inches over the past year.

Weekend thunderstorms offer little hope—meteorologists forecast only about a quarter-inch of rain, which won't reach fires burning underground. Lightning strikes could ignite new blazes, and fire officials say extinguishing these deep-seated fires requires several inches of rainfall.