OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Arizona to combat the Willow Fire burning in Mohave County.

On August 8, 2015 the State of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declaration for the Willow Fire.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 150 primary homes in and around the communities of Topack Lake Ranchos and Delta City.  Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 400 people.  The fire started on August 8, 2015 and has burned in excess of 6,000 total acres.

The Regional Administrator for FEMA’s Region IX office determined that the Willow Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster and approved the State’s request on August 8, 2015.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use; repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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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