Fire Assistance Grants approved for 7 Oklahoma fires

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants for seven fires that burned the last week.

The grants will help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires.  

The grants were secured for the July 30 fire in Stillwater, the August 2 fire in Geary, the August 3 fires in Luther, Norman/Noble/Slaughterville and Creek County, and the August 4 fires in Drumright and Glencoe.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs for the 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 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 equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

OEM will continue to assess the need for additional federal assistance.