Wildfire in Brantley County grows to more than 20,000 Acres, Evacuations in place

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A fast-moving wildfire burning in Brantley County continues to challenge firefighters as dry conditions fuel its flames, impacting communities including Atkinson and Waynesville.

The Highway 82 Fire, which started on April 20th, has now burned 20,933 acres and is just 6% contained.

Officials say ongoing drought conditions across Georgia, particularly “exceptional drought” in Brantley County, combined with hot, dry weather are making containment difficult.

More than 400 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with multiple helicopters, engines, and heavy equipment. Crews have been working to strengthen containment lines along several roadways, including Boots Harrison Road and Albert Gibson Road, while also conducting controlled burns to remove fuel near homes and reinforce fire lines.

Air resources have dropped retardant to help slow the fire’s spread.

Fire conditions remain volatile. Temperatures reached the mid-80s Sunday with low humidity and shifting winds, which are expected to push more smoke into the Highway 82 corridor.

Drivers traveling through Atkinson, Lulaton, Nahunta, and surrounding areas are urged to use extreme caution due to reduced visibility.

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for parts of Brantley County. The evacuation zone is bounded by Highway 32 to the north, Highway 82 to the south, Highway 110 to the west, and Post Road to the east.

All homes and properties within that area are under evacuation orders.

Emergency officials have also issued a countywide curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and a burn ban is in place across all of south Georgia.

Support services are available for displaced residents. An American Red Cross shelter is open in Brunswick at the Selden Park Complex, accommodating evacuees and small pets.

Additional day shelters are operating in Nahunta, and donation sites have been set up throughout the county to assist those impacted.

Road closures remain widespread, and officials warn that portions of Highway 82 could close intermittently if smoke and fog worsen. Drivers are urged to follow all barricades and law enforcement instructions.

A temporary flight restriction is also in place over the fire area, prohibiting drones and other aircraft from entering the airspace to avoid interfering with firefighting operations.

Officials say the situation remains dynamic and residents should stay alert for updates as crews continue working to contain the blaze.