FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Silver Fire
Release Date: February 26, 2008
Release Number: R6-08-040
» 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 Silver Fire in Coke County following a request from the State of Texas on Monday.
"Fire conditions in Coke County are extreme and the Silver Fire covered 4,000 acres when the state requested federal aid," said William Peterson, FEMA regional administrator. "It is critical that firefighters receive the support they need to protect the public." At the time of the request, the fire threatened 500 homes and required the evacuation of 1,500 people. Peterson encourages all Coke County 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: Wednesday, 27-Feb-2008 11:53:30