BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – In the face of devastating wildfires, and at least 90 homes destroyed by wildfires, one message is echoing across Brantley County, Georgia: Brantley strong.
First responders remain focused on protecting homes around Highway 32, where authorities have closed portions of the road because of low visibility and active fire crews working in the area.
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Despite the destruction and uncertainty, the community is coming together in powerful ways.
News4JAX visited a donation center at Brantley’s Gas, bringing along supplies. Traffic Anchor Sophia Vitello collected from viewers down in Jacksonville.
“We opened it up and I’ve been blown away by the community — Brantley showing up so far beyond Brantley,” said Jessica Johns, who is running the donation center. “From Green Cove Springs, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida to all over Georgia, it’s unreal.”
For some families, the loss is personal and immediate.
“We left 45 minutes before the house burned down,” said Bobbi Enky. “I left 15 minutes,” said her husband Jecie.
Enky said she and her family are now staying with friends and have received an outpouring of support.
“We’ve had a lot of support from our county. I work at the Brantley County Middle School so a lot of the students have also lost their homes,” she said.
Even after losing their home, Enky said they felt called to help others.
“They told us we don’t have to volunteer to get help, but it’s just what we want to do,” she said. “We’ve already lost our home. If there’s anything we can do for other people, that’s just what we want to do.”
Residents say the emotional toll has been heavy, but their faith and unity are carrying them through.
“It’s been a very traumatic experience for the entire county,” one resident said. “The Lord is still good, and so even through this we’re going to keep our eyes on him.”
At a nearby day shelter at Southside Baptist church, volunteers say the community response has been overwhelming.
“Monetary donations is where we’re sort of focusing,” said Justin Bowers, who is helping victims at the shelter. “All the sites here are starting to overrun. We’re looking for new sites.”
Bowers said monetary donations can be made to the Brantley County Family Connection Center. While an online link is being set up, donations can currently be mailed to P.O. Box 1011 in Nahunta, Georgia to the center.
“My community has come together like I have never seen before,” one resident said.
“Brantley strong,” another added.
That phrase is now a rallying cry across the county, a reflection of neighbors helping neighbors, even in the darkest moments.
Many residents still don’t know what’s left of their homes or what comes next. But they say through their faith, resilience, and each other, they are standing strong.