FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Goodell Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Goodell Fire in Skagit and Whatcom counties, Washington.

Through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs), federal funds are available to support firefighters battling wildfires if needed. Original photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo. Los Alamos, N.M., May 4, 2000 – “Hot Shot” members from Zuni, NM, continue their fight with smoldering forest fires.

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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. 24, 2015.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening critical public infrastructure associated with the Gorge, Diablo and Ross Dams, including the Newhalem powerhouse that generates over 40 percent of the power for the City of Seattle service area. The fire was threatening transmission lines, maintenance and office facilities, and nearly 60 primary residences. Approximately 200 people had been evacuated from the threatened area and sheltered. There are impacts to significant natural resources, including critical habitat for multiple endangered species.

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.

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.