FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant For Florida’s Okeechobee Fire Complex; Ninth This Year In Region 

Release Date: May 30, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-108

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to reimburse costs to Florida to fight the Okeechobee Fire Complex in Glades, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.

Florida requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) late yesterday afternoon, and it was approved last night. The complex includes about 20 fires, the largest being the Frog Light Fire which is burning on the Lake Okeechobee lake bed. Approximately 120 residences are threatened in the communities of Buckhead Ridge and Robberson Drive. That involves some 360 people, all of whom are under a voluntary evacuation order issued last night.

In granting the state’s request for assistance, Phil May, Regional Administrator for FEMA’s Region IV, said, “The State of Florida continues to fight wildfires, and FEMA continues to provide financial assistance in doing so. This is the sixth fire grant to Florida since March and the ninth overall in FEMA Region IV.”

Federal fire management assistance is rovided 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: Wednesday, 30-May-2007 12:22:16