Wildfire Safety: Residents Urged to Stay Alert, Limit Smoke Exposure, and Be Prepared

Posted on April 22, 2026

Update as of May 4, 2026 (4:45 PM):

We’re seeing continued progress on containment, but both incidents remain active and crews are still working to secure and strengthen lines.

The Pineland Rd Fire, now at 32,575 acres and 44% contained. The Highway 82 Fire, now at 22,471 acres and 75% contained.

As the wildfires become more contained, local authorities have begun lifting mandatory evacuation orders and are allowing people who live in the affected areas back into their homes. We enoucrage those who are returning home to take safety precautions both indoors and outside.
  • Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so. If your home was damaged by a wildfire, don’t re-enter until it is inspected by qualified professionals.
  • After a wildfire, the ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Be sure to avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers.
  • Look out for power poles that may be unstable due to the fire. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 or the power company’s emergency number.
  • When cleaning, wear protective clothing – including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes – during clean-up efforts.
  • Use a mask to limit your exposure to ash. Use a NIOSH-approved N95 mask that can be found online, or in hardware, or home repair stores. The mask must fit tight to your face and collapse as you breathe in and out, and not let air in from the sides. If you have breathing or lung conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before using a mask.
  • Wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles.
  • People with asthma, COPD, and/or other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.
  • Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
  • Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.
  • Check the roof and gutters. If possible, wet them down to completely put out any smoldering sparks or embers.

For the most up-to-date monitoring of the ongoing situations, we encourage you to use the resources listed at the bottom of this page.

Update as of April 26, 2026 (4:45 PM):

Because the Highway 82 fire has now expanded into Wayne and Glynn counties, an additional Red Cross shelter has opened in Jesup.

Jesup Location: Unity Church of God (1580 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545)

Update as of April 24, 2026 (2:41 PM):

There are currently two active Red Cross shelters operating in our neighboring health districts.

Brunswick Location: Seldon Park (100 Genoa Martin Drive, Brunswick, GA 31520)

Lake Park Location: Venture of Faith Camp (1309 GA-135, Lake Park, GA 31636)

Waycross, GA – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Southeast Health District is advising residents across Southeast Georgia to take precautions as smoke from multiple wildfires continues to impact air quality well beyond the immediate fire area.

Wildfire smoke can travel miles beyond the immediate fire area and may affect communities that are not in direct proximity to the flames. Exposure to smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It may also worsen conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take steps to protect their health while smoke is present. Monitoring local conditions and adjusting daily activities can help reduce exposure.

The Southeast Health District offers the following guidance to reduce the health impacts of wildfire smoke:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible when smoke levels are elevated.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
  • Use air conditioning on recirculate mode if available and replace air filters regularly.
  • Avoid outdoor exercise or strenuous activity when air quality is poor.
  • Consider using a portable air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

Certain groups may be more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. Residents are encouraged to check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be at higher risk.

Wildfires can shift direction without much notice, especially during dry and windy conditions. Residents near the wildfire zone should be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change. Have a plan in place and keep a “go bag” ready with essentials such as medications, important documents, water, snacks, phone chargers, and basic supplies. Knowing your evacuation routes and having your vehicle fueled can help ensure you are able to leave safely and without delay if advised. If you need to evacuate, take pets with you and confirm ahead of time whether shelters or hotels accept animals. Livestock owners should also identify evacuation locations and transportation options in advance.

Residents can stay informed and access wildfire-related resources through:

Taking steps to reduce smoke exposure can help protect your health during wildfires and ensure you are prepared as conditions change.

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