Officials battling two large wildfires in southern Georgia have warned that the threat is far from over, despite recent rains boosting containment efforts. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp told a news conference on Tuesday that while rain has helped, the situation remains serious and firefighters are bracing for a prolonged battle.
A fire in rural Brantley County, which has burned roughly 35 square miles and destroyed more than 80 homes, was 32% contained as of Tuesday, up from just 6% on Monday. Rains on Sunday allowed crews to widen containment lines and extinguish smoldering pockets, according to Johnny Sabo, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. However, Sabo stressed that there is still a long way to go.
A larger wildfire in Clinch and Echols counties has charred over 50 square miles at the Georgia-Florida line, destroying one home and several smaller structures. That fire was 23% contained Tuesday, with crews holding it to roughly the same footprint for four days. No fire-related injuries or deaths have been reported in Georgia.
Progress in Brantley County led to the lifting of evacuation orders for about 1,500 people on Monday, but approximately 2,500 remain displaced. Local officials have warned returning residents to be prepared to evacuate again if necessary. Both fires ignited during Georgia's worst drought in two decades, which has left vast areas of pine forests and swampland tinder dry.
Investigators determined the Brantley County fire started on April 20 when a foil balloon touched a power line, while the Clinch and Echols counties fire began on April 18 from a welding spark. Forecasts show a high chance of more rain this weekend, but thunderstorms could also bring lightning that sparks new fires. Officials have not said how long the fires might burn, noting that significant rainfall is needed to extinguish them.
