BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. – Brantley County leaders say they are preparing to move deeper into recovery from the Highway 82 Fire, as containment continues to improve and residents begin looking for answers about housing, assistance, and what comes next.
County officials addressed the next phase during the county’s first regularly scheduled commission meeting since the wildfire began. The meeting opened with a prayer for those impacted, then moved into the normal agenda — but fire recovery was a central focus in updates from county leadership.
Brantley County Manager Joey Cason told commissioners the past several weeks have pushed county staff and emergency services, and that the county is now shifting toward helping residents rebuild.
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“It’s been a learning experience that has stretched me to the max, but we’ve come through it well and we’re doing good and we’re going to start this recovery process,” Cason said. “We’re going to help our citizens get back on their feet.”
Commissioner Randy Davison said the destruction remains difficult to process, especially in the hardest-hit areas.
“It’s been heartbreaking,” Davison said. “It’s humbling that the people came together like they did, but if you’ve ridden down Browntown Road and seen the destruction it just tears you apart.”
Davison said the county’s focus now is helping impacted families however it can.
“Any way we can help them we are going to help them,” Davison said.
County leaders said they expect recovery to be a long process and emphasized the role of community support as families begin cleanup and rebuild decisions.
The county is waiving the fees and permits associated with moving campers and RVs onto property so families can get roofs over their head. They said that includes connecting to power and septic as well as debris removal.
As part of that push, the county has launched a recovery website intended to serve as a central source of information for residents affected by the wildfire: hwy82firerecovery.com. Officials described it as a “one-stop” place where people can find answers and resources as the county moves forward.
County officials said donations and financial assistance tied to recovery efforts will be coordinated through Brantley County Family Connection, which the county is using as its fiscal agent. Cason said the group will manage funds and donations as community partners and local ministries work to connect impacted families with help.
Brantley County officials said containment of the Highway 82 Fire has continued to increase, and they anticipate additional updates as crews continue monitoring hot spots and finalizing the transition from large-scale firefighting operations to recovery coordination.