Augusta, GA
Crews battle brush fire on I-520 in North Augusta
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Crews on Friday afternoon rushed to the scene of a large brush fire off Interstate 520.
Officials said the fire was reported around 1 p.m. and moving quickly because of the wind.
By 2:30 p.m., it covered 12 acres.
North Augusta crews were assisted by Belvedere, Midland Valley, Beech Island, Sage Mill and Merriwether firefighters.
Eastbound I-520 was shut down at Belvedere Clearwater Road after the fire broke out around 1 p.m.
One lane reopened around 2:30 p.m.
Five bulldozers were sent to the scene as well as two planes.
Starting around 2:55 p.m., the planes began repeatedly dumping water on the fire.
PHOTO GALLERY: NORTH AUGUSTA BRUSH FIRE
The fire was 70% contained at that time, and the situation only got better as the afternoon went on.
However, officials said it’s expected to burn for several days.
And that means the air will have smoke in it.
“You know, if you’ve got some kind of allergies that you don’t want to be breathing it, I would suggest you stay inside, keep your windows up at your house and just do anything you can to keep from getting involved with it,” said Lt. Allen C. Swann with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.
He said the situation could have been much worse.
“You know, we train for all kinds of fires, so we got here quick,” he said.
“We’ve got a great outcome. No structures burned.”
It was a challenge because the fire was on a ridge.
“You know, safety-wise with firetrucks and firefighters on the interstate with cars coming by, that’s why we shut the interstate down pretty quick,” he said.
“We don’t want one of us getting hit and then have to worry about that on top of dealing with the fire.”
Nearby Highland Springs Middle School and Belvedere Elementary dismissed students early from school.
Parents who drive their kids to school were asked to come get their children. Buses were taking the other kids home.
All after-school activities were canceled.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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