FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Camp Bowie Fire
Release Date: June 17, 2008
Release Number: R6-08-079
» 2008 Region VI News Releases
DENTON, TEXAS -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Camp Bowie Fire on the outskirts of Brownwood following a request from the State of Texas Wednesday evening.
"This dangerous, wind driven fire started Monday, and threatened homes near the city limits of Brownwood," said William Peterson, FEMA regional administrator. "Heavy, dead vegetation, low humidity and high winds made this fire difficult to control and endangered the lives of the firefighters." Peterson encourages all Brownwood and Brown County area residents to monitor conditions carefully and heed safety instructions issued by local officials.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.
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 must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Jun-2008 12:00:10