BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Highway 32 has reopened as the wildfire that devastated the county remains 85% contained.
Deputies urged drivers to use caution because fire personnel are sill actively working nearby.
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Drivers should expect to see emergency crews and equipment in the area and to experience reduced visibility from smoke in the morning hours.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while crews continue their work to keep the area safe,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote.
Containment holds
In what will be the final update from the Southern Area Incident Management Team, officials said the fire is now at an estimated 22,420 acres and remains 85% contained.
The Georgia Forestry Commission Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command Thursday night as firefighters continue to mop up and patrol the containment lines.
Firefighters will keep fixing damage caused by the firefighting work at affected homes. This includes preventing erosion, removing dangerous debris, and shoring up damaged areas to prevent further damage, keep people safe, and make it safer for residents to get in and out.
On Monday, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office announced that all evacuation orders impacting residences have been lifted, along with the countywide curfew.
Residents are still asked to avoid areas around Zones 23 and 24, which are hunting clubs that remain active fire zones.
Dangerous fire weather
Critical fire weather conditions are expected on Thursday with increased winds, including gusts up to 25 mph.
The possibility of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon also brings the chance of lightning and the potential for even stronger winds.
While the front will bring clouds and increased moisture, temperatures will remain unseasonably warm with a high near 90 degrees.
Winds Thursday will increase the potential of reburn in areas with significant leaf and needle drop. Any new fires in the area could burn actively with the current drought and the predicted weather.
South of Highway 32, along State Route 110, crews will be constructing contingency lines around areas that could pose re-burn potential.
The statewide burn ban has been reduced from 91 to 17 counties in southern Georgia. Counties surrounding the fire are still under a burn ban. For updated burn ban information, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission Page.
The temporary flight restriction over the fire area remains in effect as firefighters will continue to use Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with infrared technology to assist ground crews in identifying hot spots.
Donations
Donation coordination and distribution are being handled primarily through Brantley Family Connection, with Waynesville Missionary Baptist Church also assisting in distributing donations to those in need.
News4JAX is hosting a Positively JAX donation drive to support families impacted by the devastating wildfire in Brantley County.
The community collection effort will take place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at our Channel 4 studios, located at 4 Broadcast Pl, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Donations will benefit Brantley County Family Connection.
Organizers are asking for a wide range of essential items, including non-perishable food items, hygiene products, household supplies, and pet necessities.
Clothing is currently not being accepted.
For a detailed list of needed items, click here.