FEMA Commits Another $6 Million Toward Reimbursing Georgia's Fight Against Sweat Farm Road Fire 

Release Date: March 4, 2008
Release Number: R4-08-074

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a $6 million reimbursement to Georgia as a result of an April 2007 Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help the state fight the Sweat Farm Road Fire. This is FEMA's third multi-million dollar grant in connection with the blaze, bringing the total federal outlay to $16.2 million.

"The level of cooperation exhibited by all the agencies involved in the Sweat Farm Road firefighting effort in Ware County was exceptional," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English. "We appreciate FEMA's reimbursement of these costs incurred by the State of Georgia in the course of extinguishing this mammoth wildfire."

The Sweat Farm Road blaze broke out on April 16 in Ware County. By the time it was contained about two months later, it had blackened more than 100,000 acres, destroyed five homes, threatened 800 homes and businesses in the city of Waycross and forced about 2,100 evacuations.

"The Sweat Farm Road Fire and others last spring threatened businesses, property and untold lives," said FEMA Region IV Regional Administrator Phil May. "FEMA is pleased to help fund the extraordinary efforts of the firefighters who contained that threat."

The latest grant represents FEMA's share of the $8 million cost of assistance provided by the USDA Forest Service directly to the Georgia Forestry Commission for this fire as well as a pro-rated percentage of mop-up and large fire support costs. Under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act's FMAG program, FEMA reimburses states for 75 percent of their approved firefighting costs, such as equipment, materials, labor, food and lodging.

Last year, 11 FMAGs, five to Georgia and six to Florida, were issued in Region IV between March 26 and May 31.

FEMA coordinates the Federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 04-Mar-2008 12:51:34