EVACUATION ALERT
Wildfire Breaks Containment in Brantley; Schools Relocated and Shelters Open
The situation on the ground in Brantley County has escalated rapidly this afternoon. As of 4:00 PM, a wildfire previously estimated at 1,000 acres has broken containment lines, triggering mandatory evacuations for several residential communities and the emergency relocation of two local schools.
The Highway 82 fire, which was reportedly 75% contained earlier today, has been downgraded to 50% containment due to shifting winds and extremely low humidity. The Georgia Forestry Commission is currently battling “extreme fire behavior,” including spotting and wind-driven runs.
If you live in the following areas, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) warns you must leave immediately:
Warners Landing & Oaks Woodlands
Browntown Road & Hawks Landing
Atkinson Road & Godberry Lane
Brushing Creek
Fort McIntosh to Highway 520 (Both sides of the road)
Students at Waynesville Primary and Atkinson Elementary have been safely evacuated to the Brantley County Middle School Gym in Nahunta. Parents can pick up their children there but must bring a photo ID for release.
The following roads have been closed:
Hwy 82: All lanes blocked from the Nahunta red light to Glynn County.
SR 520: All lanes blocked at Cohen Road (Mile Marker 23).
Secondary Roads: Browntown Rd, Hawks Landing, Warners Landing, 259, and 110E.
If you need a place to stay or are looking for information on family members, the following locations are now open:
Little Memorial Church
Hortense Church of God
Southside Baptist Methodist Church
The Public Library
This isn’t just a Brantley County problem. With over 70% of Georgia in extreme drought, these fires are moving faster than traditional firebreaks can stop them.
Smoke from this blaze and the 7,000-acre Pineland Rd fire in Clinch County is creating zero-visibility conditions as far south as the St. Johns River. If you are driving on US-1 or Hwy 82 tonight, treat any smoke-covered road as a hazard.
