Gov. Kemp announces $105,000 in wildfire suppression grants during southeast Georgia visit

BRANTLEY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Governor Brian Kemp met with firefighters Tuesday who helped fight wildfires in the area to announce special wildfire suppression grants, five months after wildfires devastated Brantley County.

The wildfires destroyed 110 homes and damaged more. More than 230 firefighters were based at the Brantley County Airport while working to stop the spread of the fires.

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Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp visited the Nahunta Fire Department Tuesday with firefighters from Echols, Clinch and Brantley counties.

Kemp announced $105,000 in funding will be delivered to the seven hardest-hit fire departments.

“It is the least that we can do for all that they did to help their neighbors, their friends and their local communities,” Kemp said.

Funding to be split among seven departments

The $105,000 will be split between seven local volunteer fire stations in the area: five stations from Brantley County, one in Clinch County and one in Echols County. The departments were practically drained of resources after fighting through spring wildfires.

The Highway 82 fire and the Pineland Road fire were burning just over 60 miles apart and, at the time, were the largest two wildfires in the country.

Kemp said he saw firsthand the lack of resources for volunteer fire departments. Each of the seven departments will have $15,000 available to rebuild, upgrade equipment and fix critical weak spots. Communication was an issue firefighters faced during the wildfires, and county leaders say one investment the money will go toward is a new radio system.

Kemp said full recovery will take years and the state will continue to work with and for affected communities.

“We didn’t forget this fire happened. You know, we know it takes years to recover from things like this,” Kemp said. “We’re not going to forget you, and we’re going to continue to keep working hard to support you where we can with the resources that we have.”

County leaders react to visit

County leaders said seeing the governor return to the area means a lot.

“Folks are extremely appreciative that the governor hasn’t forgot Brantley County and still is trying to help folks to pull out of this and be home,” said Joey Cason, Brantley County manager.

County leaders also spoke to the dedication of local firefighters, who worked around the clock in intense conditions to help their neighbors.

Tuesday’s announcement also served as an opportunity to recognize firefighters who responded to the wildfires.

“Firefighters faced rapidly changing conditions which made fire physically mentally and emotionally exhausted, and they would not stop,” said Marty Lee, Nahunta mayor and fire chief.

Kemp said the sacrifice and the local response that followed shows what the state is all about.

“It makes you feel good about the soul of our people and how much they care and how much they work and also just their generosity,” Kemp said.

Governor calls wildfire a learning experience

Kemp also referred to the wildfires as a learning experience. He said his administration and partners are working on long term solutions so local departments are better prepared for future disasters.

Recovery efforts continue for displaced families

For the 110 families who lost homes, recovery is still underway.

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Cason said around 40 to 50 families still do not have permanent housing. Volunteers donated RVs for temporary housing while organizers work to get new or restored mobile homes.

Cason said there are approximately ten mobile homes ready to be put in place later this week.

The county is continuing to fundraise so that every family affected has a permanent housing structure.

See our previous coverage below: