Long County schools are closed Friday because of the massive wildfire that began Thursday afternoon near Elim Church Road and has now burned more than 1,000 acres. The blaze quickly spread to the wooded areas surrounding Highway 84 and officials closed the road in both directions. Long County High Schools is being used to house evacuees.

Hinesville Fire Chief Lamar Cook said firefighters from Liberty, Bryan, McIntosh and Brantley counties are helping the Ludowici-Long County Fire Department, but the blaze has not been contained.

The Courier will continue to follow this story and provide updates as information becomes available.