FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          
September 27, 2012                           

Media Contacts: Mary Simms (510) 301-7914, mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov; Matt Ocana, 801-540-7207, matt.ocana@noaa.gov; Daniel Langkilde, (684) 699-3801, dlangkilde2009@gmail.com

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa
NOAA will certify Territory as TsunamiReady this week

Honolulu, Hawaii — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded nearly $100 Million dollars in Post-Tsunami improvements to American Samoa for lifesaving emergency management systems that include an early warning siren system, 9-1-1 emergency call center and the completion of a formal tsunami hazard plan that proved instrumental in helping the island achieve the coveted status of TsunamiReady.   

To be recognized as TsunamiReady, a community must establish a 24 hour warning point and emergency operations center, develop multiple ways to receive tsunami warnings and alert the public, develop a formal tsunami hazard plan, conduct emergency exercises and promote public readiness through community education.  Given that American Samoa is located 120 miles away from the Tonga Trench, one of the fastest moving subduction zones in the world, tsunmi readiness is paramount to the island’s safety posture. 

After meeting all federal requirements, this week the islands of Tutuila, Aunuu, Ofu, Olosega and Tau and all of the National Park of American Samoa have attained the federal NOAA/NWS designation of TsunamiReady and will be officially designated as TsunamiReady in a ceremony with senior American Samoan Government, NOAA and FEMA officials.

“This subduction zone will continue to produce earthquakes and potentially damaging tsunamis,” said Regional Administrator Nancy Ward. “American Samoa Government officials have truly made preparedness one of their most important priorities.  Their training and outreach programs have achieved remarkable results that will help save future lives.”

On September 29, 2009 the South Pacific Tsunami was generated by a series of earthquakes that took place at possibly the closest point of this trench to American Samoa, causing fatalities and regional devastation.  Resources have been invested by federal, territorial, voluntary and private sectors partners since the killer wave came ashore in 2009 that have helped the territory to achieve a heightened level of preparedness. 

The whole community of American Samoa has come together during the past three years to make the citizens of the islands safer and better prepared to meet a wide variety of threats. 

“This is a perfect example of the resilience of the Pacific Islanders and the value of government coordination and cooperation.  Everyone met this disaster head on and never stopped moving forward.  This recognition is something that the people of American Samoa and their many partners can be very proud of,” said Jeff LaDouce, Director of NOAA’s National Weather Service Pacific Region.

Post-Tsunami FEMA funded projects include:  the purchase of a generator and two ambulances for LBJ hospital and establishing an Emergency 9-1-1 Call Center.  In addition, funds were used to purchase and install an early warning siren system complete with 48 sirens throughout American Samoa.   Funds were also used to improve airport security and to purchase equipment for American Samoa Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Operation Center.  Communications equipment and Official vehicles for the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security were also acquired.  The Land-Mobile-Radio project contract has been awarded and is the next phase to be implemented to improve communication capability on the island. 

FEMA’s aggregated financial assistance to long term recovery have included:

•           Awarding more than $37 million in FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs.  This includes assistance under various FEMA programs, including Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance that provided support for dental, medical, moving, storage and a variety of other needs

•           The award of more than $54 million to the ASG to rebuild public infrastructure, mitigate against future disasters and reimburse the American Samoa government for some of the money spent during the initial response.

•           In consultation with the American Samoan Government, FEMA has rebuilt and turned over 39 permanent replacement homes to deserving American Samoan families who lost their homes as a result of the devastating tsunami. 

•           The award of more than $8 Million in Homeland Security Grant Program funds and Public Safety Interoperable Communications funding used for planning and to help American Samoa to be more prepared for natural disasters, train first responders and citizens of American Samoa and provide much needed communication equipment. 

The TsunamiReady program is administered by the National Weather Service as a way to increase and strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for, mitigate, and recover from natural hazards.  The TsunamiReady ceremony for the Territory of American Samoa and the National Park of American Samoa, will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Maota Samoa at Utulei Beach on Friday, September 28, 2012, one day before the 3rd anniversary of the devastating 2009 South Pacific Tsunami.   

An American Samoa Tsunami Study was conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District in cooperation with the American Samoa Government to help strengthen American Samoa’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tsunami hazards.  To view the study visit:  http://astsunamiresilience.org/reports/

To learn more about this disaster, please visit:  https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1859

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:  To request photos from the event and/or schedule an interview, please email your request to External Affairs Officer Mary Simms at mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov.  Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information in your request.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa

Federal Aid Programs for State of Washington Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for the State of Washington.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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Federal Aid Programs for State of Washington Disaster Recovery

FEMA funding made Available to Help California Fight Shockey Fire

 

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California fight the Shockey Fire in San Diego County.  

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), the fire was threatening 250 homes in and around the towns of Boulevard and Jacumba,

which have a total population of 1,200 residents. The fire was also threatening numerous

outbuildings and businesses. Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 600 residents of both towns. 

“With this wildfire threatening so many neighborhoods, our commitment to the people of Shockey County remains strong,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.  “FEMA will continue to support our state and local partners during this time of uncertainty.”

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.  Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.                         

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build,    sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and   mitigate all hazards.

Original post – 

FEMA funding made Available to Help California Fight Shockey Fire

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

BATON ROUGE, La. —  Federal disaster assistance is available through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program to help Louisiana communities in 55 parishes recover from Hurricane Isaac.

Under the program, FEMA is providing supplemental financial assistance to the state and its agencies, local and federally recognized tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations for their eligible response and recovery expenses.

Although funds are awarded to eligible government entities and nonprofits through the state, the PA program is intended to benefit everyone — neighborhoods, cities and states. PA dollars help clean up communities overwhelmed by disaster-related debris, repair roads and bridges people use every day getting to work and school, put utilities and water systems back in order, repair certain nonprofit hospitals, rebuild or repair public schools and universities and put playground equipment back in public parks.

FEMA PA dollars come to Louisiana communities through a cost-sharing partnership among the state, the applicants and the federal government. FEMA reimburses applicants 75 percent of their eligible costs, and the state and/or applicant pays the remaining 25 percent.

The state of Louisiana, with FEMA support, is holding Applicant Briefings throughout the disaster-affected areas to provide a general overview of the PA program and to answer questions. FEMA/state PA program specialists are then meeting individually with applicants in kick-off meetings to address the applicant’s specific needs, damages and costs incurred.

In an effort to expedite PA assistance to applicants, some kick-off meetings are being held immediately following Applicant Briefings — with the goal of producing formal Requests for Public Assistance.

FEMA obligates federal PA funds directly to the state, which disburses the money to the local jurisdiction or organization that incurred costs.

Two types of work are eligible for reimbursement under the PA program:

  • Emergency Work
    • Removal and disposal of eligible disaster-related debris
    • Emergency measures taken to protect lives and property before, during and after the storm
  • Permanent Repairs to:
    • Roads and bridges
    • Water control facilities
    • Public buildings and equipment
    • Public utilities
    • Parks, recreational and other facilities

To be eligible for FEMA reimbursement funding, applicants must complete their projects within the established time frame.

  • Emergency work must be completed within six months of the presidential disaster declaration or designation of the affected parish.
  • Permanent repair work must be completed within 18 months of the declaration or designation of the affected parish.

Types of entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:

  • State governments and state agencies
  • Local governments (towns, cities, parishes) and special districts
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Certain private nonprofit organizations providing services, such as:
  • Critical services:
    • Hospitals and other medical treatment
    • Fire, police and other emergency services
    • Power, water and sewer utilities
    • Educational institutions
  • Essential services*:
    • Libraries, museums and zoos
    • Community centers
    • Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities
    • Senior citizen centers and day-care centers

*Private nonprofits that provide essential services are eligible for Public Assistance for emergency work. For permanent repairs, they must apply to the Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before applying to FEMA.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Public Assistance Grants Help Louisiana Rebuild after Hurricane Isaac

FEMA Reaches Out to Survivors with Lapsed Flood Insurance

BATON ROUGE, La. — After receiving federal assistance for past disaster-declared storms and hurricanes, thousands of Louisianians were required to purchase flood insurance policies through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs. In the Hurricane Isaac disaster, FEMA is reaching out to survivors who let those policies lapse.

The insurance policy, issued under a FEMA Group Flood Insurance Policy, is a three-year, nonrenewable, group flood policy funded by a portion of the survivor’s FEMA grant money. After the policy expires, renters and homeowners are required to purchase and maintain a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to continue their insurance protection.

Applicants who did not maintain the required flood insurance coverage for their previously damaged homes are not eligible for disaster loans or grants to repair that same property after Hurricane Isaac.

Survivors may, however, still be eligible for grants to pay for rental assistance, other serious disaster-related expenses and Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which may allow families to stay in a hotel for a limited period of time.

“FEMA and our partners in the community may have some programs to help Louisianians who were not able to keep flood insurance coverage for properties damaged during previous storms,” said Mike Hall, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “We encourage you to register and find what assistance is available to you.”

FEMA recently opened a Hurricane Isaac Flood Insurance Call Center for use by storm survivors who have questions or concerns about flood insurance or flood insurance adjusters. The toll-free number is 1-866-331-1679. The call center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Currently, more than 486,000 Louisianians have flood insurance protection, representing nearly $112 billion in coverage through the NFIP. To date, this program has paid out more than $49 million in claims for Hurricane Isaac.

Applying for disaster assistance is quick and simple. Survivors with uninsured or underinsured damages can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Continue reading:  

FEMA Reaches Out to Survivors with Lapsed Flood Insurance

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Alabama.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Local Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for the state will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Continue reading – 

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

Vinton and Wyandot Counties Now Eligible For Federal Aid

Dublin, OH  – Vinton and Wyandot counties have been added as part of Ohio’s federal disaster declaration and are eligible for all categories of Public Assistance funding, according to officials from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Under this announcement, federal funding is available to local governments and some private non-profits only on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms and straight line winds beginning on June 29-July 2, 2012.

Vinton and Wyandot join 37 other Ohio counties that are eligible for federal aid under the October 13 disaster declaration. They are: Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, and Washington Counties.

October 19 is the deadline for agencies in Vinton and Wyandot counties to apply for federal assistance.  Agencies in the original 37 counties had a deadline of September 19th to apply.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs.  The state of Ohio is contributing 12.5 percent of the 25 percent non-federal share to eligible political subdivisions and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent balance. 

Federal, state and local teams have already started to inspect disaster-related damage, examine expenses identified by the state or local representatives and prepare reports that outline the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Original article: 

Vinton and Wyandot Counties Now Eligible For Federal Aid

The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – In the wake of Hurricane Isaac’s recent recovery efforts, Louisiana’s restoration from Hurricane Rita persists, enabled by approximately $1.3 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance, hazard mitigation and individual assistance funding since her landfall on Sept. 24, 2005.   

“While Hurricane Katrina and more recently Hurricane Isaac tend to headline Louisiana’s natural disaster timeline, FEMA understands that communities in the southwestern part of the state think of Hurricane Rita when it comes to devastating storms,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Executive Director Joseph Threat. “Just seven years ago, these communities were greatly impacted by Rita’s landfall and are still recovering today.”  

FEMA has provided $671.8 million in public assistance grants for Hurricane Rita-related projects in Louisiana, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures and for permanent work to repair or rebuild public facilities damaged by the storm. Of this funding, nearly 50 percent was provided for recovery work in Cameron, Calcasieu and Vermilion parishes.

“The local officials and residents within these communities have worked together, in partnership with the state and FEMA, to rebuild their neighborhoods. Their success stories and recovery accomplishments to date speak to their resiliency and dedication to restoring Louisiana,” added Threat.

In an effort to help prevent future loss of property and to save lives during future disasters, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has made more than $137.9 million in funding available to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Rita. Through this program, FEMA is able to provide traditional HMGP grants, for elevations and acquisitions for example, as well as planning grants to assist eligible applicants in setting short- and long-term mitigation goals.

“The ‘on-the-ground’ recovery efforts from disasters like Hurricane Rita, and more recently Hurricane Isaac, are multifaceted in that residents must first recover before communities can progress toward recovery,” said Threat. “That’s why helping individuals affected by disasters remains at the core of FEMA’s recovery mission.”

To aid Louisiana’s residents following Hurricane Rita, FEMA provided approximately $523.5 million in Individuals and Households Program grants to 177,622 individuals and families statewide. These dollars were used as housing assistance for rent, repairs and replacement housing, as well as other needs assistance for such things as furniture, clothing and replacement vehicles.

Editors: For more information about Louisiana’s ongoing recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s website dedicated to the seventh anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita: www.fema.gov/la7year . For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/latro.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femalro, blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.      

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Read this article – 

The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Table Mountain Fire

SEATTLE, Wash — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Table Mountain Fire burning Kittitas and Chelan counties.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on September 19, 2012 at 9:49 PM PDT.  

The fire started on September 8, 2012, and has burned approximately 20,000 acres of Federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 416 homes.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington 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.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

Read this article:

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Table Mountain Fire

Washington Wildfires Receive FEMA Funding

SEATTLE—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Poison Fire and the Peavine Fire burning in Chelan County. 

In response to the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Poison Fire, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the request on September 12, at 8:00 PM PDT. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 197 primary residences. Shelters have been set up in Chelan and Wenatchee.

In response to the state’s request for an FMAG for the Peavine Fire, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the request on September 13, at 12:15 AM PDT. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 120 residences (114 primary residences) in subdivisions southeast of the city of Wenatchee.  Approximately 360 people had evacuated the area. 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington 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.

The addition of the Poison Fire and Peavine Fires, brings the total to six FMAGs approved in the past seven days.  The other FMAGs were for the Highway 141 Fire, the 1st Canyons Fire, the Barker Canyon Fire and the Byrd Canyon Fire.

Update on Barker Canyon Fire FMAG:

The state also submitted an FMAG request for the Leahy Junction Fire, which is being managed by the same Incident Commander as the Barker Canyon Fire in Douglas County.  The State requested FEMA recognize the merger of these two fires as the Barker Canyon Fire Complex under the Barker Canyon FMAG.  The declaration will be revised to be renamed as the Barker Canyon Fire Complex.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the request on September 12, at 10:41 PM PDT.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 50 primary residences with three primary residences already destroyed. Approximately 150 people have been evacuated for both fires.  The Leahy fire has burned 78,000 acres and has merged with the Barker Canyon Fire of over 96,000 acres.  Critical power generation facilities are also threatened.  Approximately, 90% of the power in the Pacific Northwest is distributed through this system.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Washington Wildfires Receive FEMA Funding

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