Close to 30-thousand people in three southeast Georgia counties will soon be getting enhanced protection from wildfires. Special grants are being used to fund needed equipment and resources at seven fire departments hit hardest by last spring’s destructive fires. Brantley, Clinch, and Echols Counties will be given $15,000 each, for a total investment of $105,000.
“Georgia’s historic spring wildfires devastated the counties of Echols, Clinch and Brantley,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in announcing the grants. “While the Georgia Forestry Commission and its rural fire department partners fought to contain the blazes, our fellow Georgians and many others reached out to help. The generous donations received are now being used as matching grant money to help area fire departments get the equipment they need for any future wildfire events.”
The Volunteer Fire Assistance 50/50 program provides half of the funding needed to help rural fire departments purchase firefighting vehicles and equipment. The remaining half is usually supplied by local government. That’s often a difficult challenge for smaller communities, especially in the wake of natural disasters. The Georgia Forestry Commission recommended using the public’s wildfire donations to secure those matching funds through its partner, the Georgia Forestry Foundation.
“We know firsthand how important our rural fire departments are when wildfires move from the woods toward homes and communities,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director and State Forester Johnny Sabo. “These men and women stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Georgia Forestry Commission during these fires, and investing in their capability strengthens Georgia’s entire wildfire response.”
For more information about the Volunteer Fire Assistance 50/50 Grant program and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
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