NAHUNTA, Ga. – Some families in Brantley County are finally learning what’s left of their homes after officials adjusted road closures and evacuation orders on Monday to allow some residents to return to their properties.
The Highway 82 Fire that sparked in Brantley County on April 20 now exceeds 22,600 acres (more than 35 square miles) and remains just 6% contained.
At least 90 homes or businesses and about 55 small structures have been destroyed, and hundreds of residents in Georgia have been displaced, officials said.
Deputies are issuing placards to residents to get past the security checkpoint, and they will remain in the area to direct residents and ensure everyone is safe.
One of the locations to pick up your pass is the Satilla Grocery store on Highway 82.
That’s where News4JAX reporter Briana Brownlee met Morse Carter, who said his family evacuated multiple times, once with the fire just a half a mile from his home.
Now, as people return, many are seeing firsthand the damage left behind—some areas still heavily impacted, while others were spared.
“Thank God, our prayers were answered again. I just had a heart attack, three weeks ago,” Carter said. “It’s just hard to describe what we have been through. We just want to thank God, all the firefighters, and forestry people who have been here.”
RELATED: Full coverage of Brantley County fire
Although some residents are being allowed limited entry during a break in fire weather, anyone returning should be ready to evacuate again if conditions worsen because there are still active fire hot spots across the area, particularly along the fire’s northern edge north of Highway 32, officials said.
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
Brantley County remains under a mandatory curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and a burn ban is in place for all counties in south Georgia.
Officials have created a Facebook page to share updates on the ongoing firefight: www.facebook.com/Hwy82fire.
Officials believe the Highway 82 fire was started by a foil balloon hitting live power lines, which created an electrical arc that ignited combustible material on the ground.
Challenging conditions
Blackened trees and charred palmetto fronds lined the shoulders of U.S. 82 on Monday in Brantley County, where Georgia’s second-largest blaze, the Highway 82 Fire, has been tearing through the forest.
Smoke poured from the ground in several spots beside the highway — a sign that fire still smoldered beneath the dirt.
Highway 82 in Brantley County is about 35 miles north of the state line with Florida, and the fire is mainly impacting the communities of Atkinson and Waynesville.
The Latest: Evacuations, road closures, shelters & more as battle to save homes from Highway 82 Fire continues
Officials pointed out that the entire state of Georgia is in a drought, with Brantley County being in an exceptional drought.
The drought conditions, along with hot and dry weather, are making firefighting efforts challenging.
But an update Tuesday morning sounded promising.
“Low temperatures and high relative humidity kept fire behavior to a minimum,” officials shared.
In a Monday night update, officials said a break in the weather caused the containment line to be reinforced and strengthened around the fire perimeter along the Highway 110 corridor and Browntown Road.
Wind gusts in the 15-25 mph range are expected to stick around through Wednesday, according to The Weather Authority. No rain is expected through Wednesday but good to excellent humidity recovery should continue at night, officials said.
Emergency crews have set up a staging area at the local airport as they work around the clock to suppress the fires that have caused critical damage to homes and communities in Brantley County.
Marty and I were with those on the ground helping the victims of the South Georgia wildfires yesterday, thanking the volunteers, first responders, and listening to the community leaders who are showing the very best of what it means to be a Georgian. We’re so thankful for their…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 27, 2026
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.
“It’s very important to understand, No. 1, we’ve got some heartbroken folks working this fire. They’ve been here almost a week. No. 2, you need to know we care,” Brantley County Manager Joey Cason said.
Evacuations
Cason and other county officials urge community members to take action and follow evacuation orders if they receive a warning.
“We had folks that did not evacuate, and they almost got caught by that fire,” Cason added. “It’s going to be another potential bad fire day as the winds pick up later in the day.”
All homes, roads and properties within the following boundaries in Brantley County are under mandatory evacuation:
- North: Wayne County line
- South: Highway 82
- West: See map below
- East: Old Post Road
For information about evacuations and road closures in Brantley County, call the Sheriff’s Office at 912-674-5878 or 912-674-0195.
Glynn County (glynncounty.org/wildfires) evacuations include the following:
Voluntary Evacuation / Prepare to Leave
- Old Post Road to Highway 32
- Highway 32 to Thalman Park Lane
- Thalman Park Lane to Bladen Road
- Bladen Road to Old Post Road
- Alpine Road
- Gilley Road
- Boones Branch Road
- Sallie Cline Road
- Mauney Street
- Chelsea Circle
- Post Road north of Highway 82
- Old Post Road north of Highway 32
Residents in voluntary evacuation areas should prepare essential items and be ready to leave if conditions worsen.
Road closures
These road closures remain in effect:
Glynn County
- Highway 32 closed between Highway 301 and Highway 99 (GDOT)
- Highway 110 closed between Highway 32 and Highway 82 (GDOT)
Brantley County
- Browntown Road from Wayne County Line to Highway 82
- Highway 32 from Post Road to Highway 301
- Post Road from Highway 82 to Highway 32
- Little Memorial Road from Highway 32 to Wayne County Line
- Highway 110W from Highway 82 to Highway 32
- Crandall Road
- Gallberry Road
- Shady Oaks Circle at Highway 259 (residence access escorted only)
- Hawthorne Road
- Brushy Creek Road
- Fendig Road
- Mumford Road
- Albert Gibson Road
- Murphy Road
- Boots Harrison Road
- Bladen Road at Post Road
Wayne County
- Manningtown Road at Ron Road
- Post Road at Ten Mile Road to Wayne-Brantley Line
- Wire Road to Brantley Line
- Mt. Pleasant Road at Browntown Road
- Highway 110 closed between Highway 32 and Highway 82 (GDOT)
MORE: Latest road closures
“Do not attempt to enter closed or restricted areas,” the Sheriff’s Office warned. “We understand the importance of access, and we will provide updates as soon as assessments are complete and it is safe to reopen roadways.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia State Patrol are closely monitoring the smoke and fog conditions, which could cause intermittent closures of Highway 82 if visibility conditions deteriorate.
Schools
Brantley County Schools remain closed Tuesday, and officials will continue to provide updates as the conditions change.
Glynn County Schools will be open as normal, but if the smoke worsens, outdoor activities will be limited or suspended. Any students affected by mandatory evacuations will receive an excused absence.
Closures
There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area to avoid conflict between personal aircraft and firefighting efforts.
This includes all recreational and professional unmanned aircraft (drones).
Polls will be open at the normal location: Elections Office, 10305 N Main St., Nahunta, Ga. 31553.
Shelters
Glynn County has coordinated with the American Red Cross to establish a 24/7 shelter at Selden Park to support individuals affected by the fires in Brantley County.
The address is 100 Genoa Martin Drive, Brunswick, Georgia.
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The shelter will also have an air-conditioned mobile unit to house small pets (dogs/cats) in crates. Bedding and crates can be provided.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Facebook page has listed evacuation locations for large animals.
Day shelters are also available at:
- Nahunta Methodist Church, 107 E Cleveland St, Nahunta
- Southside Baptist Church, 550 School St, Nahunt
Pets are only allowed at the Red Cross Shelter in Brunswick.
Donations
For affected community members, the following locations are accepting donations:
- Brantley Gas, 114 Satilla Ave., Nahunta (new or gently used clothing, hangers, hygiene items, empty totes with lids)
- H&S Haulers, 125 Industrial Park, Nahunta (nonperishable items and pet food)
- Brantley County Family Connections, 10305 Main St., Nahunta (all donations)
The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office said donations can no longer be accepted at the command post at the airport.
“Moving forward, all donations will be coordinated through Brantley County Family Connection. They will serve as the central point for receiving and distributing donations to and from the Command Post to ensure everything is managed safely and efficiently‚” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Air quality concerns
Smoke conditions can change quickly as wildfire activity and wind patterns shift. Residents should monitor air quality and take precautions when smoke is present.
Current Air Quality Resources
- AirNowCheck current air quality and smoke conditions in your area. View AirNow
Sensitive groups should take precautions
- People with asthma
- COPD / respiratory conditions
- Heart conditions
- Older adults
- Children
Recommended actions
- Stay indoors when possible
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Run filtered air / HVAC if available
- Limit outdoor activity during heavy smoke
- Follow your provider’s guidance if symptoms worsen