FEMA Backs Funds to Fight Nev. Fire

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help Nevada fight the Chance fire burning near the communities of Ryndon, Osino and Elburz in Elko County.

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 resulted in the voluntary evacuation of approximately 200 residents. The fire, which started Aug. 28, had consumed more than 6,000 acres at the time of the request, 2:45 p.m. EDT Monday. Eligibility for federal funds was authorized at 4:56 p.m. EDT.

“With this latest wildfire threatening Elko County, our commitment to the people of Nevada remains strong,” said Brown. “FEMA will continue to support our state and local partners this wildfire season.”

In 2005, FEMA has made five fire assistance grant declarations in the state of Nevada; four of those have been for Elko County. 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.