BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – Though the nearly 23,000-acre Brantley County wildfire is not completely out, the sheriff’s office said it was adjusting some road closures and evacuation orders to allow residents to return to their homes.
On Monday, officials said residents would be allowed limited entry during a break in fire weather, cautioning anyone returning to be ready to evacuate again if conditions worsened.
As of Monday afternoon, the Highway 82 fire stood at 22,600 and remained at 6% contained.
The guidelines for reentry are as follows:
Highway 110 corridor:
- Residents must show proof of residence at either Satilla Grocery/HWY 259 or Highway 32/301 (open lot west of 301) to receive a placard for entry
- Residents only; no commercial vehicles.
- Children under 18 must be with an adult at all times in the voluntary evacuation area.
The previous mandatory evacuation zone and road closures from the eastern county line, extending north from Hwy 82 to Hwy 32 and across to Boots Harrison Road, are also being modified.
The following roads have reopened:
- Post Road (side roads off Post that are not through roads are open)
- Eastern portion of Albert Gibson (west of Boots Harrison remains closed)
- Eastern portion of Murphy Road to Mineral Springs
Deputies will remain in the area to direct residents and ensure everyone is safe.
As of Saturday, the fire had destroyed at least 87 homes, including some belonging to first responders who continue to work despite their personal loss.