FEMA Authorizes Funding For Third Texas Wildfire
Release Date: January 6, 2000
Release Number: HQ-00-008
Washington, DC -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported today that the uncontrolled Bob's Trail fire has been added to the list of state wildfires designated for federal fire suppression assistance this week.
FEMA Director James Lee Witt said the aid requested by the state was approved last night after the agency was informed that the fire posed a threat to 150 homes in Bastrop County. Fire suppression assistance was authorized earlier this week for the Purgatory fire in Comal County and the Saddleback fire in Wise County.
The authorizations make federal funds available to pay 70 percent of the state's eligible firefighting expenses once the state's floor cost has been met. The floor cost is derived through a formula based on the state's five-year annual average for fighting fires.
Federal fire suppression aid is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires when they threaten to cause a major disaster. 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: Monday, 17-Nov-2003 09:20:41