FEMA funding to help Hawaii fight Ma’alaea Fire 

Release Date: September 5, 2006
Release Number: R9-06-24

» More Information on Ma'alaea Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Hawaii fight the Ma’alaea Fire on the Island of Maui.

A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved September 2, 2006. At the time of the grant, the Ma’alaea Fire had grown to 2,000 acres and was threatening the town of Ma’alaea. Immediately threatened were homes, businesses, a boat ramp, and a wind farm. The Honoapilani Highway was closed.

"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 Karen Armes, acting Regional Director of FEMA Region IX. “This declaration is one demonstration of that support," Armes said.

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 prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Oct-2006 11:28:46