FEMA Authorizes Funding For Blue Springs Fire
Release Date: June 28, 2005
Release Number: R8-05-165
» More Information on Blue Springs Fire
» 2005 Region VIII News Releases
DENVER, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last night authorized the use of federal funds to help Utah fight the Blue Springs Fire in Washington County, Utah. When the State of Utah requested federal assistance, the fire was threatening 375 homes in the town of New Harmony, Utah. Over 1,200 people had been evacuated.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state's 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.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 29-Jun-2005 08:20:34