UPDATE: Shelters open in Brantley County as fire forces evacuations

Schools evacuated, U.S. 82 closed as officials warn of low visibility and expanding fire

4:30PM UPDATE- BRANTLEY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Governor Brian Kemp said his office is working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia. He urged anyone in directly affected areas to follow guidance from local officials to keep themselves and their families safe.

3:50PM UPDATE- BRANTLEY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Brantley County Government announced shelters are now open as a fire continues to impact parts of the county.

Officials said shelters are available at the Brantley County Library, the Methodist Church in Nahunta, Little Memorial at Browntown and Highway 32, and the Hortense Church of God of Prophecy on Highway 32 East.

An evacuation relief station is also open at Nahunta First Baptist, where water and restrooms are available.

Officials are urging anyone who needs to evacuate to go to the nearest location.

Road closures: Brantley County officials also reported closures now include both eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 82, Browntown Road, Hawks Landing, Nahunta from the red light to Glynn County, Highway 259, Highway 110 East, Warners Landing, Atkinson Road, Godberry Lane, Brushing Creek, and Fort McIntosh to Highway 520 on both sides.

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to avoid the Waynesville, Atkinson, and Lulaton areas as evacuations continue.

Waynesville Primary and Atkinson Elementary are being evacuated to the Brantley County Middle School gym.

Highway 82 from Waynesville to Atkinson is closed.

Nahunta Fire and Rescue reported low visibility to near zero on U.S. 82 and Highway 110 in Atkinson. Officials said the fire has jumped containment and warned people to avoid the area.

Mandatory evacuations

As of 1:42 p.m., mandatory evacuations are in place for:

• Browntown Road
• Hawks Landing

Officials said more evacuations are underway.