FEMA Director Allbaugh Presents Check For Reimbursement For D.C. Fire Fighting Efforts
Release Date: August 16, 2001
Release Number: HQ-01-084
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Washington, DC -- The D.C. Fire/EMS Department received reimbursement today for costs associated with fighting a fire at the U.S. Commerce Department as part of a little known program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh presented the check for $30,394.40 to Mayor Anthony Williams and D.C. Fire/EMS Chief Ronnie Few during a ceremony at D.C. Fire Department Engine Company #16 in Northwest Washington.
The reimbursement was made as part of a program under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, which reimburses fire departments for the costs of fighting fire on federal property. In providing the firefighting services, the D.C. Fire/EMS Department incurred above-ordinary costs associated with this fire. The public presentation of the reimbursement was aimed at increasing awareness of the program in the fire community.
"These funds are an important resource to fire departments across the country, many of whom operate within a limited budget," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "The cost of fighting fire on federal property should not place undue burden on their operations."
FEMA's United States Fire Administration (USFA) administers the program as directed by the Congressional act. Annually, the USFA processes an average of 12 applications for reimbursement, which prompted the agency to believe that few in the fire service knew of the program.
"I hope that other municipalities can take advantage of this important federal reimbursement program," said Mayor Williams. "It is a great example of how the federal government and local officials can work together to ensure the safety of people who live and work in their shared jurisdictions."
D.C. Fire/EMS Chief Ronnie Few added, "This really demonstrates the very special relationship we have with our federal partners, and it also shows the willingness of all the parties to work together in the future."
The reimbursement program allows a fire department to submit a claim directly to FEMA and the USFA for the cost associated with fighting fire on federal property, which include federally owned office buildings, military bases or installations, forest and park lands, or other property holding.
In order to qualify for reimbursement, claims must be submitted within 90 days of the fire by the fire department. Both career and volunteer departments may claim reimbursement for direct expenses and losses related to firefighting on federal property that are over and above normal operating cost. However, firefighting that occurs at leased government property does not qualify for reimbursement.
Further information on the USFA and the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act can be found on FEMA's web site at http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 01-Oct-2003 12:59:31