Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain Forest Fires

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires that have recently impacted Northeast Georgia.

Over the past few months, my district has experienced a severe drought that at one point led to a rainfall deficit of more than a foot and especially affected thousands of farmers in Northeast Georgia.

This October, I had the opportunity to learn more about the drought's repercussions from the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, and about 40 local farmers who have struggled with the historic drought.

Unfortunately, the effects of the drought went beyond affecting our farmers, and, as wildfires continued to burn in Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain, I was deeply concerned.

In fact, the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have each affected over 20,000 acres of land in Northeast Georgia.

Today, I am grateful to report that the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have been 95 percent contained. I would like to thank the firefighters, police, emergency management and medical teams, and many others who have worked long hours at demanding jobs to ensure the security and safety of the public during this uncertain time.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward, in the near future, to sharing the good news that the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have been completely contained.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source