FEMA Helping Florida Fight Polk County Wildfire
Release Date: March 27, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-088
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Florida fight the 53 Big Pine Fire in Polk County.
A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was requested by the State of Florida and quickly approved last night. The blaze started Sunday, March 25, and grew to more than 1,500 acres. More than 130 residences were threatened in the Blue Jordan Subdivision in the community of Indian Lake Estates. That amounts to some 400 residents, about 200 of whom were affected by an evacuation order.
In granting the state's request for assistance, Regional Director Major Phillip (Phil) May of FEMA's Region IV said, "The 53 Big Pine Fire grew into a major threat very suddenly. FEMA is here to make sure that Florida has the resources needed to fight this fire, and we responded to their request."
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 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: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2007 16:39:46