Brantley County wildfire reaches 90% containment after weeks of burning

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Firefighters battling a wildfire in Brantley County have reached 90% containment, according to fire officials.

The fire has burned 22,420 acres, as of Sunday, and destroyed over 100 structures. First responders said residents should remain cautious despite progress toward full containment.

“We are going to continue to ride every inch of this containment line to make sure there is no risks,” a Casey Tudor, with the Georgia Forestry Commission said.

Firefighters are working to eliminate remaining hot spots throughout the area. Tudor said the remaining fire is mostly underground, smoldering in stump holes. Residents are no longer seeing active flames or blankets of smoke.

Falling trees pose ongoing danger

Tudor said the main hazard residents should watch for is falling trees.

“Also with the rain that we’ve had coming in that’s softened the ground in combination with root damage from these fires, that could cause those trees to fall,” Tudor said. “If you notice any root damage that’s visible, I would recommend contacting a tree professional and have that evaluated.”

Tudor said situational awareness is key as efforts continue.

For some residents, the damage is already done. Cherie Kicklighter described the past 20 days as devastating.

“That’s our home, that’s our families, that’s our livelihood, and to watch it just go to the ground,” she said.

Neighbors across Brantley County are now focusing on rebuilding. Donations continue to arrive in the area. However, Kicklighter says some residents affected by the fire said they do not have access to the support.

“They can’t, the cars were burnt, the transportation, there’s nothing, nobody’s going to get them,” one resident said. “You’re talking twenty miles from this location right here, that’s a long walk.”

Anyone affected by the fire can visit the Highway 82 Recovery page on Facebook to learn about available support.