FEMA Authorizes Funds To Fight Rim Rock Fire
Release Date: November 15, 2006
Release Number: R6-06-030
DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the Rim Rock Fire in Hays County following a request from the State of Texas earlier this afternoon.
“Fire conditions in Hays County are extreme and the Rim Rock Fire covered 200 acres and was growing when the state requested federal aid,” said William Peterson, FEMA regional director. “It is critical that firefighters receive the support they need to protect the public.” At the time of the request, the fire threatened 150 homes and required evacuation of several subdivisions. Peterson encourages all Hays County residents to monitor conditions carefully and heed safety instructions issued by local officials.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state, local and tribal government 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 manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Nov-2006 23:03:05