Sit Rep 2: April 26, 2026, Sunday, 1125 Hours PDT

Photo Credit: GCFR

Current Status

The Hwy 82 Fire broke out on April 20, 2026, in drought-riddled Brantley County, Georgia

Fire Officials are reporting extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs, torching, and short-range spotting, threatening critical infrastructure (railroad) and multiple structures.

The fire has burned about 20,933 acres, with a 7% containment status.

Evacuations are still in effect.

The cause of this wildfire stems from a Mylar balloon that came into contact with a power line. This resulted in an electrical arc that sparked a fire, lighting nearby brush ablaze.

GA Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for Georgia due to the outbreak of major wildfires all across the State.

Fire Facts

According to the NIFC today, there were a total of 11 new wildfire incidents reported in the Southern Area, which are at Preparedness Level 4, while the U.S. overall is at PL2.

One new large wildfire broke out within the last 24-hours, while 16 fires are considered not contained as of this update. This region includes these states: Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Most of the wildfires burning in this region are in Florida. This post only covers the State of George for this wildfire incident alone.

Reporting a Fire

  • Report a wildfire: Local GFC office or 9-1-1.
  • Report an arsonist: Local GFC office or 1-800-GA-TREES.

Fire Resources

GA Fire Response

  • Total Personnel: 395.
  • Helicopters: 7 Type-1 and 1 Type-3.
  • Crews: 2.
  • Engines: 25 Type 1 and 17 Type 6.
  • Tractor Plows: 21.
  • Water Tenders: 2.

WA Fire Response

  • 4 WA DNR rigs
  • 1 C2FR (Cowlitz County, WA) rig with 4 personnel

Photo Credit: GCFR

Incident Cooperators

Cowlitz County Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 3828) – WA

WA DNR

Glynn County Board of Commissioners

Glynn County EMA

Homeland Security Agency

Glynn County Search & Recovery Team

American Red Cross

Glynn County Rec and Parks Department

Glynn County Sheriff’s Office

Glynn County Board of Commissioners

Glynn County Fire & Rescue

Brunswick FD

Jekyll Fire & Rescue

GA Governor Kemp

Warn.PBS.org

Selden Park Complex

Nahunta Methodist Church

Southside Baptist Church

Wayne County EMA

Brantley County EMA

Brantley County Sheriff’s Office

Echols County EMA

Photo Credit: Cowlitz Professional FFs – IAFF 3828

Fire Victim and Evacuee Resources

Fire Officials extended the evacuation area. Check with your local Fire Officials for additional information related to the mandatory orders.

Warn.PBS.org

  • Evacuation Info Site

Emergency Management Agencies – Evacuation Info & Updates

  • Clinch County EMA – Andrew Nelson @ 912-487-3700.
  • Echols County EMA – Allen Levesque @ 229-559-6538.
  • Brantley County SO – 912-674-5878 or 912-674-0195.

Glynn County Board of Commissioners

The American Red Cross

  • Shelter. Selden Park Complex, 100 Genoa Martin Drive.
  • Pets are allowed at this site only.

Nahunta Methodist Church

  • Day Shelter only.
  • No Pets allowed at this site.

Southside Baptist Church

  • Day Shelter only.
  • No Pets allowed at this site.

Community Support

Brantley Gas, 114 Satilla Avenue, Nahunta

  • Accepting donations: gently used clothing, hangers, hygiene items, and empty totes with lids.

H&S Haulers, 125 Industrial Park, Nahunta.

  • Accepting donations: Non-perishable and pet food.

Brantley County Family Connections, 10305 Main Street, Nahunta.

  • Accepting Donations: any kind.

(Sources: NIFC, Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, GA Forestry Commission, and Southern Area IMT4)

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Fire Incident – Hashtags

#GAwildfires2026 #GAWildfires #Hwy82Fire

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