FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Reach Complex Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Reach Complex Fire burning in Chelan and Douglas counties, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 4:53 p.m. PDT on Aug. 14, 2015. An additional request to add on related damages in Douglas County was approved at 9:49 p.m. PDT the same evening.

At the time of the initial request, the fire was immediately threatening approximately 730 homes in and around the City of Chelan with the perimeter of the fire less than 200 yards from homes. A Red Cross shelter with a population of approximately 100 has been relocated to Entiat. Industrial and agricultural facilities including an apple packing warehouse were actively burning.

Embers from the Reach Complex burning in Chelan County crossed the river and ignited additional fires in Douglas County. Gusting winds and hot, dry conditions fueled explosive growth. 150 homes were evacuated in McNiel Canyon and evacuation preparation was underway for the cities of Bridgeport and Mansfield.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs 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.

FMAGs 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.