BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – Overnight rain is offering some relief to firefighters battling a wildfire in Brantley County on Sunday, but officials are urging residents to remain cautious as drying conditions are expected to return throughout the week.
Karen Gleason, public information officer with the Southern Area Complex Incident Management Team, says Highway 32 is open to residents but remains closed to other traffic between 110W and Browntown Road due to ongoing fire operations.
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“We expect it to dry out again very quickly today and this week,” Gleason said.
According to the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, roughly 1.5 inches of rain fell across the fire perimeter on Saturday into Sunday, helping to slow fire activity.
The blaze remains at 22,532 acres and is 64% contained, with 629 personnel continuing suppression efforts.
The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office announced that all evacuation orders impacting residences have been lifted.
The countywide curfew has also been lifted. Residents are still asked to avoid areas around Zones 23 and 24, which are hunting clubs that remain active fire zones.
While the rain provided overnight relief, officials warn that conditions will shift quickly. The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office says temperatures around 50 degrees with light sea mist and minimal northern wind Sunday morning will give way to sun and drying conditions this afternoon. As the ground dries, smoldering areas and heat are expected to resurface in spots.
“The fire is not out,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Please continue to stay alert, use caution, and be mindful of crews still working throughout the area.”
The American Red Cross shelter in Brunswick has closed, along with other local temporary shelters now beginning to wind down. 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.