FEMA Designates Third Oregon Wildfire For Federal Aid
Release Date: July 18, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-114
Washington -- Federal funds have been authorized for Oregon by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the third time in the last two days to help battle another uncontrolled wildfire located in Jackson County.
The state's latest request for federal fire management assistance was approved by FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh late yesterday (July 17) after it became clear that the Squire Peak fire was threatening up to 200 homes in the community of Ruch and surrounding areas. The fire, which started on July 14, had scorched more than 2,000 acres and caused the evacuation of at least 600 people at the time of the request.
"FEMA continues to stand ready to support Oregon's firefighting efforts whenever there is a clear and present danger to life and property," Allbaugh said.
In addition to the Squire Peak fire, FEMA firefighting funds were authorized for the state on Tuesday (July 16) for the Winter fire in Lake County and the Eyerly fire in Jefferson County.
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: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 16:32:36