Texas Wildfire Disaster Recovery Aid Exceeds $1,021,320
Release Date: March 11, 2006
Release Number: 1624-014
» More Information on Texas Extreme Wildfire Threat
AUSTIN, Texas -- As of close of business March 9, families and individuals who suffered damage from the recent Texas Wildfires have been approved to receive more than $1,021,320 in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Victims can register by applying online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
On Jan. 11, 2006, President George W. Bush declared nine counties stricken by wildfires as major disaster areas in the State of Texas . The presidential declaration made individual assistance available to affected individuals and businesses in the counties of Callahan, Cooke, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Montague, Palo Pinto, Tarrant and Wise.
Recovery Services Summary as of close of business March 9, 2006:
- 396 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $1,021,320 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $537,611 in Individual Assistance and $483,709 in Other Needs Assistance.
- 231 home inspections have been requested. 229 have been completed.
- $308,470 has been obligated in Public Assistance by FEMA to the State of Texas to reimburse local governments and agencies for eligible and documented expenses related to emergency protective measures associated with the Texas wildfires.
- WILDFIRE SUMMARY: Since Dec. 26, Texas has had 9,517 fire starts. There are currently 13 active/carryover fires. During this period, 3,418,286 acres have burned, 375 homes have been destroyed and 3,806 homes have been saved.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 19-May-2006 10:25:39