FEMA Authorizes Funds for GW Fire
Release Date: September 4, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-052
SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the State of Oregon fight the GW Fire, burning in the Mount Washington Wilderness.
FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said that Oregon's request for federal fire management assistance was approved after it was confirmed that the fire had spotted across lines on the east side of the fire and was within one mile of Black Butte Ranch, threatening 1,200 residences. At the time of the request the GW Fire had spread to 6,000 acres and was only 5 percent contained.
"The GW Fire is just another example of how this active wildfire season is far from over," said Paulison. "FEMA is committed to getting our firefighters the funds they need to extinguish dangerous fires that threaten lives and property."
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.
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, 04-Sep-2007 11:09:42