BRANTLEY COUNTY, GA (April 29, 2026) — The Salvation Army of Georgia continues to play a leading role in wildfire response efforts across South Georgia, providing critical meal service and support to first responders and displaced residents as fires in Brantley, Clinch, and Echols counties remain active.
Currently, The Salvation Army is serving approximately 750 meals per day—feeding emergency responders twice daily and supporting displaced residents at an American Red Cross shelter in Glynn County. With response operations intensifying, meal production is expected to increase to approximately 575 meals per service beginning today.
“Our commitment is simple: when communities are in crisis, The Salvation Army shows up,” said Lanita Lloyd, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “Right now, that means making sure the men and women battling these fires—and the families impacted by them—have consistent access to meals, hydration, and support they can rely on.”
Wildfire conditions across the region continue to challenge containment efforts. The Pineland Road Fire has grown to an estimated 31,976 acres, while the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County has expanded to approximately 20,733 acres—bringing the total impacted area to more than 52,000 acres.
While slightly cooler temperatures and increased humidity over the past few days have provided some relief, conditions remain volatile, with rising temperatures and no significant rainfall in the forecast. Smoke continues to affect air quality across much of the region.
In Brantley County, some residents along Highway 110 who were previously evacuated have been allowed to return home; however, they remain on alert as conditions may change rapidly. Emergency response efforts continue to prioritize life safety, incident stabilization, and property protection.
The Salvation Army’s feeding operations are being coordinated through its Brunswick Corps, where a Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief team has joined in meal preparation efforts. The organization’s Brunswick and St. Marys Rapid Response Units are actively deployed, delivering and serving meals at both the Staging Area and Incident Command Post.
“A hot meal may seem like a small thing, but in the middle of long, exhausting shifts, it becomes a vital source of strength and encouragement,” Lloyd added. “We are honored to stand alongside our partners and serve those working tirelessly to protect lives and communities across South Georgia.”
The Salvation Army of Georgia remains in close coordination with state and local emergency management officials and stands ready to expand services as needs evolve in the days ahead.
How You Can Help:
In times of disaster, The Salvation Army is a trusted responder. With the generous support of communities, The Salvation Army can meet immediate needs during disaster responses. The best way to help relief workers and those impacted by disasters is to make a financial contribution. Financial contributions allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of those impacted.
- Donate Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
- Donate by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
- Donate by Check – send checks to:
The Salvation Army of Georgia
Attn: DHQ Finance Department
1000 Center Place
Norcross, GA 30093
