NAHUNTA, Ga. – Ten days into a devastating wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes in Brantley County, things are slowly but surely opening back up as residents shift into recovery mode.
But some are finding it difficult to wrap their heads around what’s left.
“It’s heartbreak. It’s devastation. You go into certain areas, and it looks like a warzone,” Danielle Surprenant said. “It looks like the apocalypse.”
INTERACTIVE MAP: Highway 82 fire
The Highway 82 Fire that sparked on April 20 when a foil balloon touched a power line, creating an electrical arc that set the ground ablaze, now exceeds 22,600 acres (roughly 35 square miles) and is 33% contained.
At least 90 homes or businesses and about 55 small structures have been destroyed in the communities of Atkinson and Waynesville, officials said. But thankfully, no fire injuries or deaths have been reported.
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.
They say a resource center will open at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Brantley County Recreation Center—bringing together multiple organizations in one place.
Back to school
On Thursday, teachers returned to their schools for the first time in over a week, although students in the district will be out of school through Friday.
The school system has been heavily involved in helping the community. Brantley County Schools Nutrition delivered meals to students this week, and school officials say they are working with different agencies to figure out the best approach for everyone to return to school.
In the meantime, officials warn that while fire crews are making progress, the danger is not over. They’re urging families returning to evacuation zones to remain alert.
RELATED: Full coverage of Brantley County fire
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.
Welcome rain
Thursday is expected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers or thunderstorms. West winds are expected at 5-10 mph with gusts ranging from 15-20 mph.
Officials said the rain could fall on the “fire footprint,” which will bring some welcome relief but also its own challenges.
Rain can be beneficial because it:
- Increases fuel moisture in grasses, leaves, and surface fuels
- Slows fire spread and reduces fire intensity
- Assists firefighters in strengthening containment lines and conducting mop-up operations
But officials urged that rain does not immediately “put a wildfire out,” especially one as large as the Highway 82 Fire.
Heavier fuels such as stumps, logs, roots, and deep organic soils can continue to hold heat even after rainfall.
Rain can also create operational challenges, including:
- Masking heat signatures, making it more difficult for infrared aircraft and drones to detect remaining hotspots.
- Reducing visible smoke temporarily, which can give the appearance of full extinguishment while heat remains underground or within heavy fuels.
- Creating slippery and unstable conditions for firefighters working on containment lines and on dirt roads.
It is important for the public to understand that even after rain, fire activity can still exist beneath the surface, and suppression efforts continue until containment is secure.
Crews will continue monitoring conditions closely before, during, and after the rainfall to ensure any remaining heat is identified and addressed, officials said.
Re-entry procedures
Progress made against the Brantley County blaze prompted local officials to lift evacuation orders Monday and Tuesday for roughly 1,500 people who had fled their homes. About 2,500 remained displaced, said Susan Heisey, a spokesperson for the fire command team.
For those wanting to return to evacuation zones, 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.
The guidelines for reentry are as follows:
Highway 110 corridor (110 West residents):
- 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
- Placard pickup is from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at both locations (no limit per home)
- Residents only; no commercial vehicles
- Follow all road closures and barricades
- Keep children under 18 with an adult at all times
- Be ready to leave again if conditions change
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)
- Albert Gibson is open from Post Road; Closed at Boots Harrison to Browntown Road
- Murphy Road is open from Post Road; Closed at Mineral Springs
Evacuations
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
- Mineral Springs
- Boots Harrison
- Mumford Road
- Crandall Road
- Hawthorne Road
- Browntown Road (from Hwy 82 to Wayne County line)
- Hwy 32 from Highway 110 W to Browntown Road
- Restricted Access (residents only)
- Hwy 32 from Hwy 301 to Hwy 110 West
- Hwy 32 – Post Rd to Browntown Rd NE (north of 32, east of Browntown Rd)
- Placard Access Only
- Hwy 110 West from Hwy 82 to Hwy 32
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
“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.
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 those who want to help, 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)
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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.
For those who want to give a monetary donation, GoFundMe, the top crowdfunding online platform, has launched a centralized hub featuring campaigns for wildfire families that have been vetted by GoFundMe staff.
The Georgia Wildfire Relief Hub can be found at gofundme.com/communities/georgia-wildfire-relief-2026.
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