Brantley County wildfire recovery process has residents frusterated

NAHUNTA, Ga. (WTOC) - Months after the most destructive wildfire in Georgia state history, Brantley County residents say they are frustrated as the recovery process continues.

The Highway 82 fire burned through Brantley County in April and early May, damaging 110 homes and scorching more than 22,000 acres. Residents say that while the fire is out, the fallout has fueled distrust between the community and its elected officials.

Packed commission meeting draws protest

At a packed Thursday county commission meeting, residents brought signs of protest over the county’s 5-year plan, which they say they believe could involve the construction of a data center in the future. County Manager Joey Cason said the county does not have any current plans for a data center.

On Tuesday, the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office said one resident was arrested while speaking during a public hearing. Chris Hall, a Brantley County resident and candidate for the District 174 House of Representatives seat, said the arrest deepened community tensions.

Hall said distrust of local government is widespread across the county. He said he’s had a firsthand experience.

“You can walk around pretty much anywhere in the county and ask them ‘do you trust your local government?’ No one trusts the elected officials, they don’t,” Hall said.

Residents say aid has fallen short

Resident Lilly Folk said the community has not received adequate support from state or local agencies following the fire.

“The issue is we’re not getting any help from GEMA, FEMA, or the county,” Folk said. “I mean they’re put in those positions to do the will of the people and they’re not anymore.”

Cason said the county has helped everyone who came to them for aid after the fire.

Community rallied during the fire

Despite the current tensions, Cason acknowledged the community came together during the crisis.

“Towards the end of the fire it was the most unified I’ve ever seen this community,” Cason said.

Hall said residents have largely relied on one another in the aftermath.

“Our people, the locals, the regular citizens, we have all been who have scrambled together to help these individuals out,” Hall said.