FEMA Authorizes Funds For Columbia Complex Fire
Release Date: August 22, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-027
SEATTLE, Wash. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this morning (8:50 a.m. PDT) authorized the use of federal funds to help Washington State fight the Columbia Complex Fire, burning two miles west of Dayton, in Columbia County. At the time of the request, two separate fires (Whiskey Creek and Cory Eye) were within one mile of the Columbia Fire, and were expected to merge. The fires threaten facilities ranging from roads and bridges, utilities, recreation areas and businesses, and resources such as wheat fields, timber, the Mill Creek Watershed and South Touche River.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Director R. David Paulison said the state's request for federal fire management assistance was approved after it was confirmed that the fire was threatening 50 homes, and up to 1500 more. The Columbia Complex Fire triggered the mandatory evacuation of 35 residents, with more under standby evacuation orders at the time of the grant request.
"The Columbia Complex Fire is just another example of how this active wildfire season is far from over," said Paulison. "FEMA is here to make sure that the State of Washington has the resources needed to fight this fire, and the federal government will be with the state every step of the way."
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 manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006 12:29:21