FEMA Approves Oregon Request For Sheldon Ridge Fire Aid
Release Date: July 26, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-122
Washington, D. C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today approved another request from Oregon for federal fire management funds to help cover the costs of fighting the Sheldon Ridge fire burning in Wasco County.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh authorized the assistance immediately after it was reported that the fire posed a threat to 200 homes and major power lines in areas located to the west and southwest of the city of Dulles. At the time of the request, the fire had burned more than 5,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 560 people.
"FEMA continues to stand ready to help the state fight these dangerous wildfires and protect lives and property," Allbaugh said.
The authorization is the fifth granted for the state this month. Fires previously designated for FEMA firefighting funds were the Flagtail fire in Grant County on July 19; the Squire Peak fire in Jackson County on July 17; the Winter fire in Lake County on July 16; and the Eyerly fire in Jefferson County on July 16.
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 will pay 75 percent of the 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 16:20:18