FEMA Money Authorized For Peppin Fire

Release Date: May 25, 2004 Release number: R6-04-050

DENTON, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today authorized the use of federal funds to help New Mexico fight the Peppin Fire burning in Lincoln County.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, approved the state’s request for federal fire management assistance. At the time of the declaration, the fire was uncontrolled and had consumed 9,500 acres. The Peppin Fire led to the evacuation of 100 people and threatened an additional 2000 residents.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.

Federal fire management assistance is 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 state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. 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.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.