1 of 2 Georgia wildfires doubles in size overnight
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Highway 82 Fire in southeastern Georgia has grown to over 31 square miles and is only 7% contained, having destroyed at least 87 homes since April 20.
- The fire doubled in size overnight due to wind gusts of about 15 mph, prompting potential evacuation notices as officials warn residents to heed them for safety.
- A second wildfire in Clinch and Echols counties has burned more than 46 square miles, destroyed at least 35 homes, and is about 10% contained, with its cause linked to sparks from welding.
- The Highway 82 Fire was ignited by a foil balloon hitting live power lines, creating an electrical arc that started the blaze, and additional firefighting crews are being deployed to control it.
- The surge in wildfires across the Southeast is attributed to extreme drought, gusty winds, climate change, and debris from Hurricane Helene, with over 150 wildfires currently burning in Georgia and Florida.
