FEMA Authorizes Funds For Bland Mountain #2 Fire

Release Date: August 23, 2004 Release number: HQ-04-157b

SALEM, Ore. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Oregon State fight the Bland Mountain #2 Fire, burning southeast of Roseburg in Douglas County and threatening the communities of Milo and Tiller.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the State's request for federal fire management assistance was approved late Friday night August 20, 2004 at 11:05 p.m. after it was confirmed that the fire immediately threatened 40 homes, with an additional 60 + homes threatened. Two residences were confirmed destroyed.

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 though 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, material 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.