Texas Wildfire Disaster Recovery Aid Exceeds $955,611
Release Date: February 24, 2006
Release Number: 1624-011
» More Information on Texas Extreme Wildfire Threat
AUSTIN, Texas -- As of close of business Feb.23, families and individuals who suffered damage from the recent Texas Wildfires have been approved to receive more than $955,611 in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Victims still have until March 13, 2006, to register. Victims can register by applying online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
On Jan. 11, 2006, President George W. Bush declared nine counties stricken by wildfires as major disaster areas in the State of Texas . The presidential declaration made individual assistance available to affected individuals and businesses in the counties of Callahan, Cooke, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Montague, Palo Pinto, Tarrant and Wise.
Recovery Services Summary as of close of business Feb. 23, 2006:
- 385 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $955,611 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $512,238 in Individual Assistance and $443,373 in Other Needs Assistance.
- 227 home inspections have been requested. 221 have been completed . Two inspectors are in the field.
- WILDFIRE SUMMARY: Since Dec. 26, Texas has had 7,089 fire starts. There are currently no active fires. During this period, 2,235,107 acres have burned, 368 homes have been destroyed and 3,149 homes have been saved.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 19-May-2006 10:49:23