WAYNESVILLE, Ga. – Paramedic Brandon Lynn was at work on April 21 when a wildfire began ripping through the communities of Waynesville and Atkinson in Brantley County.
Dozens of homes were destroyed in a matter of hours, including Lynn’s.
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“We were one of the first few gone,” Lynn said in an interview posted by the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office. “That’s our whole life. It’s gone in 30 seconds.”
READ: Full coverage of Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County
Lynn said he was grateful that his landlord was able to save two of his cats and that his children were at school and safe from the fire, along with his wife of 13 years.
Their lives were upended in the span of a few breaths, leaving them with just the clothes they were wearing, Lynn said.
“This thing has been unpredictable. It has been crazy. And to say the least, it’s been an eye-opener at how fast things can change,” he said.
Firefighters are steadily getting a handle on the Highway 82 Fire, which has now grown to 22,600 acres and is 33% contained. But officials have repeatedly warned that the danger is not over yet.
Lynn said the fire took his home with almost no warning, so he implored those who might receive an evacuation warning to be ready to go.
“We didn’t have a chance, so the ones that get the warning, I want them to understand to take it seriously,” he said. “Pack up. Save what you can.”
Lynn also emphasized the importance of reaching out for help, whether it’s contacting the county, local churches or other community members.
RELATED | Brantley strong: Community unites through loss after wildfires
And the Sheriff’s Office applauded his message.
“This is what strength looks like—not just showing up for others, but knowing when to ask for support, too,” the post read. “If you or someone you know has been impacted, please don’t try to carry it alone. There are people here, ready to help.”
The Sheriff’s Office shared the following resources as a place to start:
- Family Connection of Brantley County – (912) 462-1234
- American Red Cross – 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Despite his own loss, Lynn said he hasn’t missed a day of work since the fire broke out.
“It’s really the only thing keeping me going for my family, for my life,” he said. “I love my community. I love you guys. I’ll be here continuing to work. I ain’t going nowhere.
“So we’ll rebuild together.”