FEMA Approves Wildfire Grant for Florida's Black Creek Fire; Seventh Grant in Region IV This Season
Release Date: May 9, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-104
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 Florida to fight the Black Creek Wildfire in Walton County.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) late Tuesday afternoon to fight the 13,000-acre fire. The uncontrolled blaze has forced the evacuation of 143 homes, affecting some 200 people, in the City of Freeport.
In granting the state's request for assistance, Phil May, Regional Administrator for FEMA's Region IV, said, "This is the seventh fire grant of this season in our region, three in Georgia and now four in Florida. As long as fire and the triple threat that feeds it - drought, low humidity and high winds - persist, FEMA will be ready to provide funding to states to help protect lives and property."
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: Wednesday, 09-May-2007 11:36:14