FEMA Authorizes Funds To Help Fight Buckhorn Creek Fire
Release Date: November 12, 2003
Release Number: R8-03-120
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Denver, CO -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today authorized the use of federal funds to help Colorado fight the Buckhorn Creek Fire burning in Larimer County west of Fort Collins near Masonville. The fire has already burned about 125 acres.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Department of Homeland Security, approved the state's request for federal fire management assistance immediately after confirming that the fire was threatening numerous homes in the area. More than 60 families have already been evacuated.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. 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 items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
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 Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 07:45:03