Overview
- The Highway 82 fire, which officials said Sunday had doubled overnight, has grown to about 20,900 acres with only 7% containment, and Brantley County leaders urged residents to be ready to evacuate as winds increase.
- The Pineland Road fire near the Florida state line stands near 32,000 acres and 10% containment, and together the two blazes have destroyed at least 122 homes, including 87 in Brantley County and 35 in Clinch and Echols counties.
- Investigators say a foil party balloon that struck a power line ignited the Brantley County fire, while sparks from welding started the Pineland Road fire in tinder‑dry brush.
- Governor Brian Kemp declared an emergency for 91 counties, and the Georgia Forestry Commission issued the state’s first 30‑day outdoor burn ban to prevent new fires.
- Fire crews face more than 150 other blazes across Georgia and Florida, and officials warn the danger will persist until roughly 8 to 10 inches of rain ease the drought and heavy fuel left by last year’s Hurricane Helene.