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Georgia Forestry Commission presents wildfire-defense plan to Ware County
Summary
A Georgia Forestry Commission representative told the Ware County commissioners the county is considered a wildfire risk and that an in-depth community wildfire defense plan will be completed in a few months to support federal grant applications.
Mark Wiles of the Georgia Forestry Commission updated the Ware County Board of Commissioners on the Community Wildfire Defense Grant and the work underway to produce a countywide protection plan.
Wiles told the board that Ware County is considered a wildfire "hot spot" and that the largest wildfire in the state's history occurred in the county. He said the Forestry Commission has been working with local fire teams and stations to assess risk levels and that staff are using a standardized form to classify areas as high, moderate or low risk. The county-level plan, Wiles said, will be used to apply for federal grant funding to assist the fire department.
Wiles noted the Forestry Commission has completed similar plans for Rabun and Union counties and is assisting McIntosh County. He said he and his wife, Stephanie, would return in a few months with a more in-depth, comprehensive plan for Ware County.
Why it matters: A formal community wildfire defense plan is typically required to qualify for federal grant funds that can pay for mitigation work and equipment. Completing a locally tailored plan will allow Ware County to pursue that funding and guide local fire-protection priorities.
Next steps: Wiles said the Commission can expect a return presentation in a few months with the completed plan and recommendations for applying for federal grants.
