South Georgia Wildfires Surge Past 50,000 Acres as Crews Battle Blazes in Brantley, Clinch, and Echols Counties
The Highway 82 Fire, which ignited in Brantley County on April 20, continues to expand, now covering more than 31 square miles, officials reported Sunday.
Firefighters across Southeast Georgia have been battling the blaze for a full week, working to contain flames that have forced evacuations, threatened homes, and shut down major roads and highways. Officials have confirmed that 87 homes have been lost in the Highway 82 Fire.
As of a Monday morning update, the fire has burned more than 22,651 acres and remains only 6% contained.
Highway 82, located roughly 35 miles north of the Florida state line, has been heavily impacted. The fire is primarily affecting the communities of Atkinson and Waynesville, with evacuations now reaching into neighboring Glynn County as displaced residents seek refuge in Brunswick.
Meanwhile, firefighters are also working to contain a second major wildfire burning in Clinch and Echols counties, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire, located approximately 13 miles northwest of Fargo, has burned 32,003 acres, according to Georgia Forestry Commission Public Information Officer Don Thomas. As of April 25, the fire is 10% contained, with a full suppression strategy in effect.
The Pineland Road Fire began on April 18 and continues to challenge crews as dry conditions and terrain complicate containment efforts.
MANDATORY
CURFEW
(AFFECTED AREAS ONLY)
On behalf of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Brantley County EMA has issued a **MANDATORY CURFEW** for impacted areas due to the Hwy 82 Fire.
**Curfew Hours:** 8:30 PM – 6:30 AM
**Applies to:**
Affected areas only
This curfew is in place due to **hazardous conditions, ongoing fire operations, and low visibility**, which make travel unsafe and interfere with emergency response efforts.
**All residents in affected areas must comply with this curfew.**
Your cooperation is critical to ensure the safety of both residents and first responders.
For additional details and updates, please check the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
