How to help those affected by Georgia wildfires

As emergency crews continue to respond to the nearly 5,000-acre Highway 82 wildfire in Brantley County, Coastal Georgians are looking for ways to help those affected. No lives have been lost, but the fire has claimed 54 homes and is threatening another 1,000, the Georgia Forestry Commission reported Thursday.

The nearly 30,000-acre Pineland Road wildfire in Clinch County started on mostly private forest land. No deaths have been reported and there were no reports of homes being destroyed.

The Georgia Forestry Commission encourages community members who want to support those affected by the fires to donate through established organizations, including county emergency management agencies.

In Brantley County, all donations are currently being coordinated through Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. When donating you may select either the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army and note that your contribution is for Brantley County.

The Brantley County Sheriff’s office suggests monetary donations to families in need, “as many of those impacted have been displaced and do not currently have a place to store physical items.”

By Thursday morning, donations designated for Brantley’s first responders had reached maximum capacity, the Brantley County Sheriff’s office reported. “Please hold any additional donations in the event they are needed in the future,” they said in a statement.

Waynesville Missionary Baptist Church at 25486 Highway 82, Waynesville, a member of the Golden Isles Disaster Faith Network, is accepting bottled water and non-perishable items, Glynn County spokeswoman Brittany Dozier reported.

Glynn County is also encouraging its residents to pitch in with high‑priority donation needs. These items should be delivered to St. Simons United Methodist Church, located at 624 Ocean Boulevard. For families, they suggest new clothing, laundry detergent, pet supplies, and shoes.

Brantley County residents are organizing an impact rally at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Brantley County High School, 10804 US 82, Nahunta. There will be donated items for families who have been affected by the fire, as well as music and food. It’s a celebration of community helping community, said one of the lead organizers, Tim Thompson.