Federal Funds Authorized For Walker Fire
Release Date: May 10, 2003
Release Number: R6-03-16
» More Information on Walker Fire
Denton, TX -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds tonight to fight the Walker Fire burning in Otero County, New Mexico.
"New Mexico's fire risks are extreme right now, and this federal fire management grant will provide financial help to the professionals fighting this dangerous fire," said Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security.
The Walker Fire started on May 9 and has burned more than 3,000 acres of private, state, tribal and federal lands. Two Otero County subdivisions had evacuated, and the fire was threatening additional areas at the time the grant was approved.
FEMA continues to work closely with state officials to monitor extremely dry conditions in the state. Through the fire management grant, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of eligible state and local firefighting costs.
All New Mexico residents should check their homes for fire safety. For more information, check with your local fire department, the New Mexico Office of Emergency Services and Security website, www.dps.nm.org/emergency/ or the FEMA web site, www.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-May-2003 09:37:25