NAHUNTA — A couple of citizens voiced their concerns during the September work session of the Brantley County Commission about the lack of help from the county for the Hwy. 82 fire victims.
The Hwy. 82 fire burned nearly 23,000 acres back in April leaving a huge scar on Brantley County’s landscape. Many families were displaced and left homeless.
Dennis Dudek was one of two county residents to speak during the Tuesday, September 1 commission meeting. He said he and his family were thankful of the aid they received, but questioned why all the funds and items received have not been issued.
Shannon Denbow, who has helped many in need, aired her concerns as to why there was a huge storage of items not given out for school-aged children or debris picked up placed along county roads.
According to Dawn Deen at Brantley County Family Connections, several fundamental needs have remained the highest priorities. The list includes safe shelter, functioning wells and pumps, septic systems, electrical service, and property cleanup.
“The scale of this recovery effort has been significant,” she said.
According to Deen, more than 525 volunteers have served through the Brantley County Family Connection office during the disaster recovery. More than 20 agencies and organizations are actively working on recovery efforts. And, more than 300 individuals and organizations have provided in-kind donations.
To date, Deen said more than $400,000 in monetary donations have been received. More than $20,000 in gift cards have been donated and more than $14,000 in gift cards have been given to fire victims.
Also, more than 100 applications for assistance have been received and $135,463.80 in checks have been written for services to assist fire victims.
“These numbers change day-today,” said Deen, “but these are the latest numbers I’m reporting. These numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent individuals, organizations, businesses, churches, agencies, and volunteers who stepped forward when Brantley County needed them most.”
Deen stated significant progress has been made toward restoring essential services and providing safe living conditions for families affected by the wildfire.
According to Deen, there has been 117 properties have water, power and sewer/septic all restored. Cleanup, though, needs completing. There are 23 properties which remain incomplete. The status of two properties remains unknown.
A total of 129 pump needs have been resolved while nine properties still need pumps. Two properties remain unknown. There has been 128 tank needs resolved. Nine properties still need tanks while three remain unknown.
As for wells, 123 have been resolved, 13 properties still require well assistance and four remain unknown. There has been 127 power pole needs resolved with 13 properties still requiring a power pole.
One hundred thirty-five septic system needs have been resolved with four properties still in need of septic repairs or replacement. One remains unknown.
There has been 126 cleanup projects completed with 13 properties still in need of cleanup. One remains unknown.
“The Public Works Department has removed all debris that was placed on the side of the road via right of way,” said County Manager Joey Cason. “We did not enter any personal property. In fact, on several sites, the entire lot was cleared, and we hauled this off, even though it was not damaged debris. As new debris has been placed out, we have removed that as well.”
As for temporary housing, 108 wildfire victims have received campers and three still are in need. The status of 29 remains unknown. There has been 20 mobile homes received for permanent housing with 18 additional mobile homes still needed.
Denbow questioned the distribution of the goods being housed in the new building at the Brantley County Recreation Department.
“People have personally messaged me,” Denbow said to the commissioners during the meeting. “They were asking, ‘How can I get school supplies?’ ‘How can I get this or that?’ ‘When is that building going to be open?’
“When I finally get access to your big building, I see items packed in the back of it. There are day-to-day supplies and needs packed up. Ronald Ham, the guy that’s talking about stopping landfills by bringing in the data center, is the Almighty say on when this building can be open for people.”
Cason explained the school supply situation.
“When the Long Term Recovery team was meeting before school opened,” he said, “the Brantley County Schools staff informed us that all children impacted by the fire would be provided with back packs and school supplies. This was carried out by the School System.
“The new building will be finished in the next 10 days. That includes power and fully insulated. As folks have needed supplies, Dawn (Deen) has provided those, along with several ministries and churches. No fire victim who has stated needs has been denied.”
Cason said Chuck White, from Camden County EMA, and Alec Eaton, from Brunswick EMA, helped the preliminary organization of the Long Term Recovery Team.
“We were told this needed to be a volunteer led group,” said Cason. “I helped get the group formed and led until it was clear who the active participants would be. This group has met weekly on Thursday’s at 9 a.m., for over three months. It has been an amazing experience to see all the great work that has been done.
“Mr. (Ronald) Ham stepped up when a coordinator was needed to take over. He has done an amazing job in helping move the group forward.”
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