ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Georgia to fight the Elim Church Road fire in Long County and the Mosley Road fire in Coffee County.
This authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include equipment and supplies (less insurance proceeds) and costs for emergency work, such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.
“FEMA approved these grants to make sure that Georgia has the money to fight these fires and save lives, structures and property,” FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May said. “Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers go out to families who’ve been affected.”
The Elim Church Road fire began March 24 and burned more than 4,000 acres of land. The fire forced more than 300 evacuations while threatening 89 residences, a nursing home, a correctional facility and five businesses in and around Ludowici, which has a population of 1,555. 
The Mosley Road fire also began March 24 and burned 1,500 acres of state and private land, while threatening more than 50 homes and five businesses. It forced the evacuation of 250 local residents.
Federal fire-management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid first must meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.