Georgia wildfires threaten homes as winds push flames

Two southeastern Georgia wildfires — the Highway 82 Fire near Atkinson (at least 87 homes destroyed) and another blaze in Clinch/Echols counties (over 46.9 sq mi burned, at least 35 homes) — continue threatening residents as strong winds loom. More than 150 related fires across Georgia and Florida have created smoky haze and air‑quality warnings; the Highway 82 Fire is about 10% contained over a 14.8‑square‑mile perimeter, while the Clinch/Echols fire is similarly about 10% contained over more than 46.9 square miles. The fires were sparked by a foil balloon hitting power lines and by welding sparks, with drought, gusty winds, and dead trees from past storms amplifying risk. In Florida, Nassau County volunteer firefighter James “Kevin” Crews died after a medical emergency while fighting a brush fire; no Georgia fire deaths or injuries were reported.