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Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 2:21 AM

Record drought fueling fire

Record drought fueling fire
Thick vegetation and dry conditions have helped fuel the Hwy. 82 fire. Photo By WAYNE MORGAN

The worst drought in southeast Georgia in nearly 20 years has helped fuel a fire that has burned across 20,000-plus acres in Brantley County, doubling in size Saturday night.

According to Georgia Forestry Commission Region Manager Blair Joiner, the first quarter of 2026 is the 8th-driest on record dating back to 1865.

Saturday (April 25) marked the second significant jump in acreage. It grew from approximately 700 acres Tuesday, April 21 to more than 4,000 acres within hours of the wind change that afternoon.

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