HAHIRA, Ga. (WALB) — South Georgia businesses are opening their properties for cattle, horses, and other livestock displaced by the Pineland Road and Brantley County wildfires.

Nearly 40,000 acres of land have been destroyed, leaving families and farmers seeking shelter for their livestock.

>> Related coverage: ‘Most in History’: Over 120 homes destroyed, nearly 1,000 threatened by South Ga. wildfires<<

Hahira facility opens pasture space

In Hahira, “4S Farms Boarding and Events Facility” is opening pasture space and adding makeshift stalls using panels to take in displaced livestock. The owner, Mike Sumner, said that when people don’t have anywhere to go, turning them away is not an option.

“Until somebody can get their farms put back, we can hold them indefinitely,” Sumner said.

Sumner goes on to say, “If they need three days, if they need three months. It’s kind of hard to kick somebody out when they don’t have a place to go, especially with large, large animals.”

The equine specialist said he also helped house displaced cattle during Hurricane Helene in 2024. Nearly two years later, he is continuing the service.

“It says a lot about the Southern heritage to help one’s neighbor… anytime somebody’s down, we’ll be more than happy to open our doors.”

Valdosta church offers support

Sumner is just one of many resources for wildlife victims. The Gloryhill Cowboy Church in Valdosta said they are ready to help families get through the emotional toll while also working on connections to find space for animals.

“Our motto is to make everything a ministry,” the lead pastor, Sunnie Bland, said. “Unfortunately, sometimes that means in tragedies, we need to be available to allow the Lord to just shine his light upon a dark situation.”

Bland said she wants families whose lives have drastically changed this week to know they are not alone.

“I’m very sorry for what you’re going through,” she said. “This is just a bump in the road where you have a community that’s going to walk with you through this.”

Gov. Brian Kemp, first lady Marty Kemp, and the National Guard toured the wildfire areas on Friday, April 24, with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

Anyone needing livestock refuge can contact Sumner at 229-561-1764 and Bland at 229-561-0638. WALB will update this story as more locations become available.

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