FEMA Authorizes Funds

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday authorized the use of federal funds to help New Mexico fight the Malpais Fire in Bernalillo County.

"The fire threatened 75 homes, closed Interstate 25 at one point, and caused more than 200 people to be evacuated," said William Peterson, FEMA regional director. "The resources must be available to fight wildfires, protect people and minimize property loss."

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state, local and tribal government 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.

JB