FEMA Provides Federal Funds to Help Fight Blue Creek Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Blue Creek Fire, burning in Walla Walla County, Wash.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Blue Creek Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 21, 2015, at 12:10 a.m. PDT. This is the second FMAG approved in the state of Washington this fire season.

The fire started on July 20, 2015, and at the time of the request, the fire had burned approximately 3,000 acres including one home and threatened 150 more primary residences. Additionally, the Blue Creek and Mill Creek watersheds were being threatened along with six bridges, various roadways and electrical utilities. The fire was moving northeast toward the Black Snake Subdivision. Evacuation orders were in place with 50 residents staying at a Red Cross Shelter at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds.

Firefighting resources on scene includes federal, state, and local personnel, three helicopters, 32 engines, and two dozers. The principal fire advisor confirmed the threat to the community and homes due to favorable burning conditions and extreme fire behavior. The fire was zero percent contained.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are 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 items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.