FEMA Makes Funds Available For Willow Fire Burning Near Payson

Release Date: June 28, 2004
Release Number: R9-04-038

» 2004 Region IX News Releases

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized firefighting funds to help Arizona fight the Willow fire burning near the community of Payson in Yavapai and Gila counties.

Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, approved the request for federal fire management assistance at 12:35 p.m. today. The 23,000-acre fire, sparked by lightening, is threatening 6,000 people and 3,000 homes in Payson, Pine and Strawberry.

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 and emergency response 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.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Jun-2004 14:21:36