FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant For Florida's Brevard Complex Fire In Brevard County
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Release Number: R4-08-125
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to reimburse costs to the state of Florida to fight the Brevard Complex Fire in Brevard County.
The state of Florida requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 6 p.m. yesterday and FEMA approved it at 10 p.m. The blaze started May 6 and has since grown to 10 uncontrolled fires threatening 500 homes, 25 businesses, several schools and one airport. Five homes have been destroyed and 15,000 residents have been affected by possible evacuation orders.
In granting the state's request for assistance, Phil May, Regional Administrator for FEMA's Region IV, said, "The Brevard Complex is not contained at this time. FEMA is here to make sure that Florida has the financial resources needed to fight this fire."
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. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible 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.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 22-May-2008 10:40:24