CHARLTON COUNTY, Ga. — UPDATE: As of 9:45 p.m., the brush fire is estimated at approximately 102 acres and is 85% contained, Charlton County Emergency Management officials said in a post on Facebook.
The county EMA said responders are continuing to secure containment lines and monitor the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no official determination has been made.
Emergency management officials cautioned residents against spreading rumors or speculation, noting that premature conclusions can create confusion and misinformation. Officials also stressed that the recent lifting of a local burn ban has been the subject of community discussion, but that no link to the fire has been established.
“Determining the cause of a fire takes time,” officials said in a statement.
Regardless of the fire’s origin, residents are encouraged to exercise caution with any outdoor burning and to closely monitor weather and fire conditions.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
END OF UPDATE
UPDATE: As of 7:45 p.m., the Georgia Forestry Commission has measured the size of the fire at 100 acres and 0% contained.
END OF UPDATE
Emergency crews are responding to a brush fire located in the area of Newell Road and Eston Prescott Road. No evacuation orders are currently in place for the affected area.
The Georgia Forestry Commission last estimated the fire to be 75 acres at 3:21 p.m.
Charlton County Emergency Management says crews are focused on protecting nearby structures and working to prevent the fire’s further spread.
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Residents within 10 miles of this area are advised that wildfire conditions can change rapidly. They should have their family, pets and important items ready to go in the event evacuations are ordered.
The public is urged to avoid the area and not stop to watch emergency operations.
Individuals wishing to provide donations or goods should not bring them directly to the scene. Instead, they can coordinate with Charlton County EMA by emailing ema@charltoncountyga.gov, providing their name, a phone number and what they would like to help with. The EMA will call back to coordinate.
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