Hwy 82

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Hwy 82 Fire ignited at approximately 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026, and was officially reported on April 21, 2026. The fire is located near the U.S. Route 82 corridor in Brantley County, Georgia, and has also impacted parts of neighboring Wayne and Glynn counties.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 22,420 acres and is currently 90% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire initially grew rapidly to 700 acres by the end of its first afternoon, fueled by exceptional drought conditions, low humidity, and deep-rooted vegetation. Strong northerly winds pushed the fire rapidly, causing significant growth and extreme fire behavior on its eastern perimeter early in the incident. Currently, surface fire activity is minimal, but the fire continues to smolder in deep organic soils and interior bays.
Containment Efforts: The Georgia Forestry Commission Type 3 Incident Management Team is leading the response, with nearly 100 personnel currently assigned. Firefighters are actively patrolling the fire footprint to extinguish hotspots and prevent reburn. North of Hwy 32, crews are utilizing a portable sprinkler system to add moisture to interior areas and cool remaining heat in the deep organic soils. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with infrared technology are being used to identify hidden heat signatures. Rehabilitation actions, including erosion control, hazardous debris removal, and stabilization measures, are currently underway to protect public safety and support the safe ingress and egress of residents.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Most mandatory evacuations have been lifted as the community moves into the recovery phase. Previously, Level 2 - Set evacuations for Wayne County and mandatory evacuations for Browntown Road were in effect, but they have since been canceled.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents are advised to remain cautious of changing conditions and ongoing recovery efforts.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: During the height of the evacuations, the American Red Cross shelter in Brunswick provided resources, including an air-conditioned mobile unit for small pets, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture designated locations for large animals.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• While major closures on U.S. Highway 82, Highway 110, Highway 259, and Highway 32 have largely been lifted, residents are advised to avoid active fire areas and fire equipment on roadways.
• Firefighters are monitoring for hazardous trees weakened by fire damage, as compromised root systems can create hazards along containment lines and roadways.

For more information, visit:

• Georgia Forestry Commission Current Wildfire Information
• Brantley County Sheriff's Office Updates
• Watch Duty - Highway 82 Fire

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been 0 deaths and 0 non-fatal injuries reported in connection with the Hwy 82 Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire has been highly destructive, deemed one of the most destructive in Georgia's history. Over 130 structures have been destroyed, including approximately 90 residential and business structures, and 55 smaller outbuildings.
School and Business Closures: The fire previously forced the evacuation and closure of multiple schools in the area, including Brantley County schools. Currently, there are no widespread closures reported as the community moves into the recovery phase.
Notable Impacts: The fire caused significant damage to local pine forests and agricultural lands.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages are currently reported, though the fire's ignition involved a power line arc.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order on Tuesday, May 12, lifting the temporary statewide burn ban, citing improving weather conditions and decreased fire risk statewide. However, the EPD summer burn ban remains in place, and residents must check local county ordinances before burning. The state of emergency remains in effect.
Air Quality: Smoldering fire behavior will continue in the deep organic soils, which will continue to produce smoke. Residents are advised to use caution in areas where smoke may reduce visibility and pose respiratory risks.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire remains at 90% containment, and officials state there is no threat of escape because the remaining heat is deep in the interior bays. However, firefighters anticipate that the deep organic materials will continue to smolder and produce smoke until significant rainfall extinguishes the organics entirely. Crews will remain engaged in mop-up operations, patrolling, and rehabilitation for the foreseeable future.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Recent weather brought an unstable airmass with isolated thunderstorms, followed by a cold front with breezy northeasterly winds. A drying and warming trend is expected for the remainder of the week, which will keep firefighters vigilant regarding hotspots.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire started due to a Mylar balloon making contact with a power line, causing an electrical arc that ignited the surrounding vegetation.
Weather and Climate: The fire was fueled by exceptional drought conditions across the region. The entire state of Georgia has experienced drought, with Brantley County classified as being in an "exceptional" drought. These hot and dry conditions, combined with strong northerly winds and deep-rooted organic soils, made the fire highly resistant to control and drove its rapid initial spread.

For more information, visit:

• Georgia Forestry Commission
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map
• Brantley County Government