Federal Funds Approved To Help Fight Southeast Georgia Wildfire

ATLANTA -- Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that federal funds have been authorized to assist in fighting fires in Southeast Georgia.

"I appreciate FEMA's quick response to our request for assistance," Governor Perdue said. "We are taking the appropriate steps to protect our citizens and the natural resources within the Okefenokee Swamp."

The funds were made available today by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Governor Sonny Perdue's request yesterday for assistance to help Georgia fight an uncontrolled fire burning in Ware County.

The state's request for federal fire suppression aid was approved by FEMA for the 20,000-acre Sweat Farm Road fire that has destroyed 11 structures and is threatening the city of Waycross.

The American Red Cross and local emergency management officials continue to operate a shelter at Ware County Middle School in Waycross where 31 people were housed last night. Authorities continue to close various highways intermittently, particularly those south and west of Waycross, due to dense smoke.

Under the authorization, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs.

Federal fire suppression aid is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires when they threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered can include expenses for emergency equipment, supplies, operations centers, firefighter safety items, mobilization costs and other firefighting needs.