Story perspectives

Foil Balloon Sparks Highway 82 Wildfire, 87 Homes Lost

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

A foil balloon struck live power lines, igniting the Highway 82 wildfire that has burned 31 square miles, destroyed 87 homes and is 7 % contained in Brantley County.
A curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and closures of Highways 110 W, 32 and Browntown Road were ordered to protect responders.
County leaders and Governor Brian Kemp opened Red Cross shelters, provided animal assistance, closed schools April 27–28, and inspected effort with the National Guard.

1 of 1

Story summary

A foil balloon struck live power lines, igniting the Highway 82 wildfire that has burned 31 square miles, destroyed 87 homes and is 7 % contained in Brantley County.
A curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and closures of Highways 110 W, 32 and Browntown Road were ordered to protect responders.
County leaders and Governor Brian Kemp opened Red Cross shelters, provided animal assistance, closed schools April 27–28, and inspected effort with the National Guard.