WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Smoke continues to billow over Brantley County as crews fight flames for the fifth day in a row.

Evacuation orders expanded to Wayne County on Sunday, and a mandatory curfew is in place for fire-affected areas from 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m.

Emergency officials are advising residents on how to stay safe as flames continue to rage and smoke blankets the sky. Mandatory evacuations are in place for areas of Brantley and Wayne counties affected by the wildfire.

Wayne County residents brace for flames

Wayne County residents are bracing for the flames. Mason Bradt said his father, a police officer, is out with crews helping to contain the fire. He said knowing his dad is out there can be nerve-racking.

“A little worried because I’ve seen how big the flames are but I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as it is,” Bradt said.

Rain brings hope

At around 7 p.m., residents began to feel hopeful as the first bits of rain started falling. Drought conditions have worsened the spread of the wildfire.

“This is the first bit of rain we’ve had in a long time,” said Polter Davidson, a Wayne County resident.

“Yeah, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it,” continued Briggs Thomas.

Community lends a hand

As the fight continues to contain the spread of the fire, the community is lending a hand. Several groups have come together, packing and bringing food to displaced families and first responders, and giving away clothing and other essentials.

“We ran into one of our friends here earlier and they were bringing water to the deputies out there,” Rowan Wight, a resident, said.

They said lending a hand, especially to the first responders, is the least the community can do.

“They could die of a fire, I mean, you got to help them a little bit,” said Wight.

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