More than 55,140 acres have burned and at least 120 homes were destroyed as firefighters battle massive wildfires across southern Georgia as of Monday evening.

Fires in Clinch and Brantley counties are now considered the most destructive in the state’s history, according to Gov. Brian Kemp. The flames have wiped out more than 120 homes since starting more than a week ago.

On Sunday night, isolated thunderstorms brought between 0.4 and 0.8 inches of rain to the area, providing a brief break from extreme fire behavior. However, officials warned the rain would not extinguish the fires completely. FEMA has authorized federal money to reimburse the state for 75% of the costs to fight these fires.

Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes, staying in hotels or emergency shelters like the Red Cross in Brantley or Selden Park in Brunswick. While some families were escorted back into certain areas Monday to check for damage, many are still waiting to see if they have a home to return to.

WAGA-TV FOX 5 Atlanta

The post VIDEOS: Southern Georgia wildfires burn 55,140 acres, burn at least 120 homes appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Crews with the Naches Fire Department performed a Sunday morning water rescue near U.S. Highway 12, south of Naches. The agency said someone searching for rocks along the bank reported seeing a car in the water. After spotting the car with a drone, crews located an unidentified person sitting in brush on the opposite shore. Naches Fire said Washington State Patrol and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife contacted the man, who told them he was hurt and very cold.

The injured man was brought across the river in a rescue raft and transported to a hospital by ambulance. According to Naches Fire, tire marks showed the vehicle had been traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 before crossing the median and eastbound lanes, breaking through a fence near the west end of the Clemans View Sports Complex and going down an embankment into the river. Inflatable rafts were launched, the vehicle was searched and rescuers confirmed no one was inside.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

The post Naches river rescue pulls injured man to safety near Highway 12 appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) says crews respond to a fire at a multi-story home in Greenwood. The call came in at around 9:20 p.m. on Monday night near North 83rd Street and Greenwood Avenue. Flames extended to multiple floors, into the attic, and through the roof of the home. SFD posted that the fire was under control as of 10:04 p.m. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.

KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

The post Crews battle large fire in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

The Lands Council is inviting landowners and members of the public in Stevens County to a “Learn and Burn” event on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prescribed burns play an essential role in forest health, according to a press release by The Lands Council. It returns nutrients to the soil, improves wildlife habitats, propagates new trees and can even increase the production of important plants, such as huckleberries.

According to the press release, the event aims to teach participants about site preparation, firing patterns, weather/prescription, the importance of keeping the fire where you want it, post-fire “mop up,” tools and equipment, permits and burn plans. Those interested should sign up through the website. The Lands Council asks participants to wear leather boots, non-synthetic clothing – such as cotton or wool – and bring leather gloves if possible. Lunch and coffee will be provided. The prescribed burns are weather-dependent. The Lands Council notes that while this event is planned for April 29, it may change due to the weather.

KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

The post Lands Council hosts “Learn and Burn” event to promote forest health in Stevens County appeared first on Daily Dispatch.

Rescue swimmers with the Seattle Fire Department rescued a kayaker who was in distress on Lake Union. Crews were called to an area of the lake near Fairview Avenue North Saturday afternoon. They were able to quickly locate the kayaker and pull them onto the Seattle Police Department’s Harbor Patrol boat. They drove him to the dock for additional medical care and at last check he is stable.

KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

The post Rescue swimmers save distressed kayaker from Lake Union in Seattle appeared first on Daily Dispatch.