Federal Funds Authorized To Fight Big Rock Fire
Release Date: July 22, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-57
» More Information on Big Rock Fire
Denton, TX -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds this afternoon to help Oklahoma fight the Big Rock Fire burning in Comanche County.
When the fire management grant was authorized, the fire had burned nearly 300 acres. Forty homes, one business and one church were less than a mile from the fire, and a total of 130 residences were threatened in the Medicine Park area, a community of about 400 people. Firefighters from six local departments and air assets from the State of Oklahoma were tackling the blaze.
"Extreme temperatures and low humidity combined to create hazardous conditions for residents and responders in Comanche County," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "We are keenly aware of the ongoing fire risk to Oklahoma communities, and we support the firefighters responding to this incident."
FEMA continues to work closely with state officials to monitor fire conditions in the state. Through the fire management grant, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of eligible state and local firefighting costs.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Jul-2003 12:26:50