FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Wellesley Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Wellesley Fire burning in Spokane County, 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 12:15 p.m. PDT on August 22, 2016.

The fire started on August 21, 2016, and had burned in excess of 250 acres of state and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 225 primary homes in and around the communities of Orchard Prairie and Pasadena Park, total estimated population 11,145. The fire was also threatening the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railways, businesses, electrical transmission and distribution lines, and a recreational space in the area.  Mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued for approximately 900 people. There are 28 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state. At the time of the authorization, 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 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.