Brantley County Wildfire Forces Evacuations as Conditions Deteriorate

Wildfire Crisis in Brantley County

Emergency responders are actively combating a rapidly spreading wildfire in Brantley County, which has consumed thousands of acres and prompted evacuation orders due to unstable conditions. The blaze has affected around 3,800 acres and is currently only 10% contained, as reported by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Approximately 49 homes have been impacted by the fire. Sheriff Len Davis of Brantley County has advised residents to be ready for immediate evacuation, especially those who may need extra time to leave. He emphasized that older individuals and those with mobility challenges should evacuate as soon as possible, noting that most evacuations thus far have been voluntary. As of Wednesday afternoon, 25 individuals were utilizing emergency shelters.

Officials have pinpointed several locations where fire activity is still prevalent, including:

• Highway 110 West to south of Drury Lane
• Highway 110 East near Gallberry Road
• Old State Route 259 to Satilla Estates
• Highway 82 to the Satilla River and Browntown Road

Residents are being cautioned against traveling on various routes due to safety risks. These routes include Waynesville Road to Highway 110, Waynesville Road to Highway 259, and US Highway 82, which is closed from Nahunta to the Glynn County line. Additional closures affect the area from Satilla Pines to Browntown Road. The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office has mandated an evacuation for Browntown Road, from Highway 82 to Greenleaf on the west side of the highway. In a social media announcement, the sheriff’s office stated: "If you are outside the mandatory evacuation area and feel unsafe, please evacuate now. Residents are urged to leave as quickly and safely as possible and continue monitoring the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office social media page for official updates." Authorities have cautioned that changing winds could result in unpredictable fire behavior, heightening the risk to surrounding communities. Residents with pets, livestock, or medical needs are encouraged to evacuate early, while others should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions worsen. The suggested evacuation route is Highway 32.

Day shelters offering food and water have been established at several sites, including:

• Hortense Church of God
• Southside Baptist Church in Nahunta
• Nahunta United Methodist Church
• Little Memorial Baptist Church in Hortense

Officials indicated that locations for night shelters would be announced later. In light of the fire threat, Georgia’s State Forester has implemented a ban on outdoor burning across 91 counties in the southern region of the state.