Georgia wildfires that destroyed more than 120 homes continue to threaten residents
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Two wildfires in southeastern Georgia continue to threaten homes, with strong winds expected to accelerate their spread, prompting officials to urge evacuations.
- The Highway 82 Fire, started by a foil balloon hitting power lines, has destroyed at least 87 homes, marking the largest single wildfire destruction in Georgia’s history, and is about 10% contained.
- A second wildfire near the Florida state line, caused by welding sparks, has burned over 46.9 square miles, destroyed at least 35 homes, and is also roughly 10% contained.
- Firefighters are battling more than 150 wildfires across Georgia and Florida, with smoky haze causing air quality warnings; the increased wildfire activity is linked to drought, winds, climate change, and debris from Hurricane Helene.
- A volunteer firefighter in northern Florida died from a medical emergency while fighting a brush fire, but no fire-related deaths or injuries have been reported in Georgia.
