Governor Perdue Requests Fire Management Assistance

ATLANTA -- Governor Sonny Perdue instructed GEMA Director Charley English today to take the first step in seeking federal assistance for fires in Southeast Georgia that have burned more than 19,000 acres in Ware County and 4,000 acres in Brantley County.

"The fires in Southeast Georgia have the potential to be a major disaster. One fire is threatening the city of Waycross and another has already crossed into the city limits of Nahunta," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "As a result I instructed GEMA Director Charley English to begin the process of securing fire management assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

The Regional FEMA office will now notify the FEMA headquarters of Georgia’s request, which will then make a determination about possible assistance.

In addition to the 19,000 acres being burned in Ware County, 5 homes have been lost, and 800 have been evacuated. The American Red Cross and local officials have opened a shelter at Ware County Middle School in Waycross. In Brantley County, 42 homes have been evacuated and an additional shelter was opened.

"I want to thank the Georgia Forestry Commission and GEMA for their quick response to this serious situation," Governor Perdue added.