FEMA approves federal funds to help fight wildfire in the Panhandle

BAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized federal find to help battle the wildfires burning in Bay County.

On Sunday, the state of Florida submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Bertha Swamp Road Wildfire.

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The request was approved by FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia B. Szczech.

This is the second FMAG approved for Florida wildfires in the past two days.

Read: Over 1,000 homes evacuated as wildfires rage in Florida Panhandle

Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency in Bay County.

The Bertha Swamp Road wildfire started March 4 and has burned more than 9,000 acres of state and private land. More than 6,300 people have evacuated.

Read: Central Florida firefighters join efforts to battle massive wildfire in Florida Panhandle

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

Read: Florida Surgeon General to recommend no COVID-19 vaccines for healthy kids

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