Wildfires Destroy 47 Homes in Georgia, Spark Evacuations

Wildfires raged across the southeastern United States on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, destroying nearly 50 homes in southeastern Georgia and prompting widespread evacuations and school closures in affected communities. The blazes, fueled by prolonged drought, low humidity and gusting winds, centered along Georgia's coast and in northern Florida near Jacksonville, marking one of the region's most severe fire seasons in decades.

In Brantley County, Georgia, a fast-moving wildfire destroyed 47 homes on Tuesday and threatened hundreds more the following day, according to county manager Joey Cason. The fire expanded rapidly, growing six times in size over half a day, and had scorched more than 1,500 acres with no containment by evening. Nearly two dozen fire agencies responded to battle the flames, while Sheriff Len Davis urged residents to prepare for sudden wind shifts that could alter the fire's path. At least 800 people evacuated, and five shelters opened as the blaze endangered 300 additional homes, officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported. In neighboring Clinch County, another large fire burned over 8,900 acres and forced evacuations in multiple areas,...