Georgia wildfire doubles in size, mandatory evacuations possible
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- The Highway 82 wildfire in southern Georgia doubled in size over the weekend, burning more than 20,000 acres in Brantley County and reaching only 6% containment as of April 27.
- The fire, discovered on April 20, has prompted potential mandatory evacuation notices due to its rapid growth and wind-driven behavior.
- Wildfires across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida have caused road closures, destroyed homes, and contributed to poor air quality amid a record-breaking drought in the Southeast.
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described the Highway 82 and Pineland fires as some of the worst in state history, noting a record number of homes lost and praising first responders and volunteers for their efforts.
- Authorities continue firefighting efforts and urge residents to follow evacuation orders and take precautions to prevent further wildfires.
