FEMA Authorizes Funds in Ariz. Fire Battle

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Arizona fight the Cave Creek Complex fire burning northeast of Scottsdale.

Michael Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the state’s request for federal fire management assistance was approved after it was confirmed that the fire had threatened 440 homes in Tonto Hills and Camp Creek, as well as major power lines serving Phoenix. Now called the Cave Creek Complex fire, the converged Bronco fire and Humbolt fire, which started Tuesday, had consumed more than 5,000 acres at the time of the request.

“It’s critical that the men and women who selflessly battle wildfires know they will continue to have the support of the federal government. This declaration is one demonstration of that support,” Brown said.

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.