FEMA Adds Perry Blaze to Texas Fire Assistance List
Release Date: June 23, 1998
Release Number: 3127-02
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported late yesterday that the uncontrolled Perry fire has been added to the list of recent state blazes designated for federal fire suppression assistance.
FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the aid requested by the state was approved on Saturday, June 20, immediately after learning that the fire was posing a threat to populated areas in Falls County. The fire, which started Saturday, had burned an estimated 100 acres of land at the time of the request, according to the state.
The designation brings to four the number of Texas fires that have been authorized for FEMA fire suppression aid since May 11. Under the authorizations, the state's eligible costs for fighting the designated fires are currently being funded at 70 percent federal share.
Other Texas fires previously approved for the assistance were the Camp Wood Hills fire in Edwards and Real counties (May 11); the Cibolo Creek fire in Presidio County (May 15); and the Paradise fire in Jeff Davis County (June 19).
Federal fire suppression aid is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires when they threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting 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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Jan-2004 10:07:03