Georgia wildfire doubles in size, mandatory evacuations possible

Editor's note: See the latest maps as wildfires continue to burn in Georgia and Florida on April 27.

A fast-growing wildfire tearing through southern Georgia doubled in size over the weekend, local officials said, spreading over dozens of square miles and potentially forcing mandatory evacuations.

The Highway 82 fire, discovered on April 20, continued to burn in Brantley County, about 100 miles southwest of Savannah and some 35 miles north of the Florida state line.

The fire was burning more than 20,000 acres and was 6% contained as of April 27, according to data gathered by USA TODAY.

“The fire basically doubled last night in size,” Brantley County Manager Joey Cason said in an April 26 Facebook post. “It is a dynamic fire event that will be impacted by the wind. We do have potential evacuation notices going out. If you receive an evacuation notice, I am telling you... please evacuate."

Firefighters continued to battle the blaze and other wildfires burning across parts of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. The wildfires have forced road closures, Carson said, and destroyed homes and buildings in their path.

Record-breaking drought in the Southeast continues to fuel flames in both states, and the fires are emitting enough smoke to keep air quality conditions poor across the area.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the Highway 82 fire and the Pineland fire, burning near Fargo, are among the worst the state has ever seen. Kemp said the fires set a record for the most homes lost to wildfires in the state.

"Marty and I were with those on the ground helping the victims of the South Georgia wildfires yesterday, thanking the volunteers, first responders, and listening to the community leaders who are showing the very best of what it means to be a Georgian," Kemp wrote in a post on April 27, referencing Georgia first lady Marty Kemp. "We’re so thankful for their hard work."

"Please keep those who have lost their homes in your thoughts and prayers," Kemp said. "We won’t let up until these tough times have passed, and I ask that Georgians continue to do their part in preventing more."

Images from Brantley County fire

Where are wildfires burning in Georgia? See map.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.