FEMA Authorizes Funds For East Zone And Cascade Complex Fires
Release Date: August 31, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-050
» More Information on East Zone Fire Complex
BOISE, Idaho -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help fight the East Zone Complex Fire and the Cascade Complex Fire burning in Valley County, Idaho. Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) were requested by the State of Idaho and approved Thursday night, 30 August at 9:30 pm EDT.
FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison said that Idaho's requests for federal fire management assistance were approved after it was confirmed that the Cascade Complex Fire had engulfed 236,282 acres and was threatening the communities of Yellow Pine, Warm Lake and Paradise Valley, and the East Zone Complex Fire had involved 213,290 acres, threatening Warren, Secesh and South Fork.
"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: Friday, 31-Aug-2007 12:45:49