Texas Wildfire Disaster Recovery Aid Exceeds $994,953
Release Date: March 3, 2006
Release Number: 1624-012
» More Information on Texas Extreme Wildfire Threat
AUSTIN, Texas -- As of close of business March 2, families and individuals who suffered damage from the recent Texas Wildfires have been approved to receive more than $994,953 in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Victims are encouraged to register for assistance by applying online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
On Jan. 11, 2006, President George W. Bush declared nine counties stricken by wildfires as major disaster areas in the State of Texas . The presidential declaration made individual assistance available to affected individuals and businesses in the counties of Callahan, Cooke, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Montague, Palo Pinto, Tarrant and Wise.
Recovery Services Summary as of close of business March 2, 2006:
- 387 individuals have registered for Individual Assistance.
- $994,953 has been approved through the Individuals and Household Program. Of that, FEMA has provided $524,780 in Individual Assistance and $470,173 in Other Needs Assistance.
- 227 home inspections have been requested. 227 have been completed.
- $308,470 has been obligated in Public Assistance by FEMA to the State of Texas to reimburse local governments and agencies for eligible and documented expenses related to emergency protective measures associated with the Texas wildfires.
- WILDFIRE SUMMARY: Since Dec. 26, Texas has had 8,153 fire starts. There are currently seven active fires. During this period, 2,879,858 acres have burned, 372 homes have been destroyed and 3,422 homes have been saved.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. 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: Friday, 19-May-2006 10:46:04