FEMA Authorizes Funds For Third Arizona Wildfire
Release Date: June 20, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-089
» 2002 Region IX News Releases
Washington, D.C.-- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Arizona fight the uncontrolled Rodeo fire burning in Navajo County. The action marks the third time this year that FEMA firefighting assistance has been made available to the state.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh approved the state's latest request for federal fire management assistance last night immediately after confirming that the blaze was endangering 500 homes in the communities of Clay Springs, Linden, Pinedale and Show Low. The fire, which started last Tuesday, had consumed more than 20,000 acres and forced the evacuation of several thousand people at the time of the request.
In addition to the Rodeo fire, FEMA fire management aid was previously authorized for the Indian fire in Yavapai County on May 15, and the Ryan fire in Santa Cruz County on April 30.
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. The assistance pays 75 percent of a state's eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.
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 13:06:17