South Georgia wildfires threaten 1,000 homes, destroy dozens

More than 1,000 homes are being threatened by two major wildfires raging in South Georgia. 

As of Wednesday night, the Georgia Forestry Commission reported that the Pineland Road Fire in Clinch County covered nearly 30,000 acres and was only 10% contained. The commission said it responded to 34 new wildfires across the state on Wednesday.

Brantley County Manager Joey Carson said at a news conference Wednesday that the Highway 82 Fire had destroyed at least 54 homes and spread to roughly 5,000 acres. This fire is reportedly only 15% contained.

“I’ll be very honest with you and say it’s a miracle that we have not had any lives lost,” Carson said Wednesday afternoon. “Obviously, this fire became a lot larger than we thought it would be on Monday. We’ve got resources that have come in from all over South Georgia and now from the state.”

Brantley County Sheriff Len Davis said at the news conference that residents need to stay vigilant.

“These winds may shift rapidly which will create unpredictable fire behavior, so just stay alert, and for the public, be prepared to evacuate immediately,” he said.

Gov. Brian Kemp is scheduled Friday afternoon to survey the fire damage from the Highway 82 Fire and meet with first responders who are fighting the flames, according to a news release.

Kemp declared a state of emergency Wednesday to send additional resources to assist with the fires, including mobilizing around 150 National Guardsmen.