FEMA Authorizes Funds For Tunk Grade Fire
Release Date: July 17, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-25
SEATTLE, Wash. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Washington State fight the Tunk Grade Fire burning near Tonasket in Okanogan County.
FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said that Washington’s request for federal fire management assistance was approved after it was confirmed that the fire had involved 12,000 acres and threatened up to 150 homes.
“It’s critical that the men and women who selflessly battle wildfires know they will continue to have the support of the federal government,” said Paulison. “This declaration is one demonstration of that support.”
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 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: Tuesday, 17-Jul-2007 11:44:29