FEMA Responds Rapidly To Help Colorado Fight A Wildfire In Fremont County
Release Date: June 2, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-066
Washington, D.C.-- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has again moved swiftly to help Colorado battle another wildfire outbreak. FEMA authorized the use of federal funds within approximately four hours of being contacted by the state of the threat posed by the Iron Mountain wildfire to populated areas near Deer Mountain.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh approved the state's latest request for federal fire management assistance last night after it was reported that the blaze, which started Sunday, had forced the evacuation of 200 homes in Glen Vista in the area of Deer Mountain. As of last night, the wildfire had burned three homes, 13 structures and one volunteer fire engine.
"We have moved quickly during this fire season in Colorado to ensure firefighters have the resources needed to fight these blazes," said Allbaugh. "We will continue to do all we can to assist states in their efforts to extinguish these 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. FEMA firefighting assistance was previously authorized this year for the Snaking fire in Park County on April 23, the Cuerna Verde fire in Custer County on May 1, the Black Mountain fire in Park County on May 5 and the Schoonover fire in Douglas County on May 23.
Federal fire management assistance 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: Thursday, 28-Aug-2003 13:21:43