RISCH ISSUES A FIRE DISASTER DECLARATION
FOR VALLEY COUNTY

BOISE - Governor Jim Risch declared a disaster emergency in Valley County yesterday to respond to the wildfires raging through the area. Up to 32 volunteer National Guard members will be on active status Thursday in firefighting support roles. The guardsmen will staff four separate traffic control points for five to seven days.

“The nature of this emergency is such that swift action must be taken,” Risch said. “Valley County does not have enough resources to adequately address the severe nature of this problem and it is appropriate that the state provide assistance.”

Governor Risch named General Lawrence Lafrenz as his designee, and Homeland Security Director Bill Bishop as deputy designee, to administer the Disaster Emergency Account funds.  The state has committed up to $200,000 for Valley County.  The state may also amend the funding following the completion of a damage assessment.

The state of emergency will exist for a period of thirty days unless it is either terminated or extended. 

###

Return to August Press Releases