SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Okanogan County Complex Fire burning in Okanogan 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 12:51 a.m. PDT on Aug. 15, 2015.

At the time of the request, eight known fires (Old Railroad, West Bonaparte, Roy, Dugout, North Star, Cooper Mountain, Dunn Mountain and Pine Creek) were threatening homes, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources across the county.  Mass evacuations were underway and structures have been lost. The community of Pateros, with a population of 3,500 was at immediate risk and is particularly vulnerable after suffering damage in the 2014 Carlton Complex. State Route 153 at Pateros, a vital arterial route for the community, was closed from MP 248-253.  Numerous other communities are threatened, including Conconully, a community of 210 where important infrastructure includes a dam and power distribution lines. Shelters have been established at Oroville High School and Republic High School.

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.