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BLAKELY, Ga. (WALB) – The City of Blakely is alerting residents to heavy smoke impacting the east side of town.

Officials say the smoke is coming from cotton bales burning at a local cotton gin, creating reduced visibility across several major roadways.

Areas currently affected include the north end of Highway 27, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Highway 62 Bypass), and Highway 62 East near the airport. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution when traveling through these corridors due to significantly lowered visibility and shifting smoke conditions.

Blakely Fire Department and other public safety crews are on the scene actively working the incident and monitoring conditions.

City officials say they will continue to provide updates as needed and encourage residents to remain alert while traveling in the impacted areas.

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