Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Authorizes Federal Funds To Fight Tunnel Five Fire In The US State Of Washington

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Tunnel Five Fire burning in the state of Washington, USA.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 10:01 p.m. PT. 

He determined that the Tunnel Five Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

FEMA approves Washington’s request for FMAG

Additionally, a Level 1 ‘Get Ready’ evacuation warning was issued for the nearby city of White Salmon

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Underwood. 

The fire also threatened businesses, Skamania County Public Utility District infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, fish hatcheries, and campgrounds and recreational facilities. Additionally, a Level 1 ‘Get Ready’ evacuation warning was issued for the nearby city of White Salmon.

FMAGs provided Via the President's Disaster Relief Fund

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. 

This 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. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners, and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another US$ 1,225,032 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion.

Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018

The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.