Wildfire in Western Charlton, Georgia

Georgia Forestry Commission responded to a wildfire caused by a downed powerline at approximately 3:00 p.m. this afternoon north of Folkston along Hwy 301. Upon arrival, the fire was estimated at 100 acres. The wildfire increased to an estimated 697 acres and stretched nearly 2 miles from U.S.-301 to County Road 252. Two homes received minor damage and eight minor structures were destroyed. Charlton County EMA reported evacuations due to the wildfire near Hwy 301 / Humphries Rd Area in Folkston. Roads under evacuation orders included Harold White Road, Humphries Road, Bill Knight Road, Willow Creek Road.

Breezy northwesterly winds and a very dry airmass develop in the wake of departing cold front. This resulted in critically low humidity values and dangerous fire conditions and the issuance of a Red Flag Warning for portions of southeast Georgia south of Waycross.