NAHUNTA, Ga. (AP) — Wildfires are wreaking havoc in southeastern Georgia, putting lives and homes at risk as officials raise alarms about spreading flames due to strong winds.
Brantley County Manager Joey Cason labeled the situation as “dynamic” during a Saturday morning video update, urging residents to timely evacuate if instructed. This fire is going to move rapidly with the winds expected later today, he said.
The Highway 82 Fire has been active since Monday, destroying at least 87 homes, the highest recorded for a single wildfire in Georgia’s history, according to Governor Brian Kemp. The fire ignited due to a foil balloon that contacted power lines, causing an electrical arc that ignited dry materials nearby. An infrared flight was conducted overnight to assist firefighters in mapping the fire, which has now expanded to over 14.8 square miles, with containment at around 10%.
In addition, a second wildfire approximately 70 miles southwest in Clinch and Echols counties has consumed more than 46.9 square miles and destroyed at least 35 homes. This blaze was reportedly started by sparks from welding operations, and like the Highway 82 Fire, it is also 10% contained.
Firefighters are battling over 150 additional wildfires across Georgia and Florida, which has left several regions enveloped in smoke and prompted air quality warnings in several cities.
The ongoing wildfire threat has been intensified this spring due to a mix of severe drought conditions, gusty winds, and increased fuel sources from dead trees left by previous hurricanes, as noted by scientists studying the unprecedented fire situation in the Southeast.
Tragically, in northern Florida, a volunteer firefighter with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office died due to an unspecified medical emergency while combating a brush fire. Fortunately, there have been no fire-related deaths or injuries reported in Georgia.
