IDAHO TO GET FEMA GRANT FOR
CASTLE ROCK FIRE COSTS

(BOISE) - The State of Idaho will receive a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to recover some of the state funds spent fighting the Castle Rock fire near Ketchum. The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program announced late this afternoon the state will get an estimated $750,000 to offset some of those costs. “I am encouraged that FEMA is responding to our request for financial assistance in what looks to be a record-breaking fire season in our state. I also personally want to thank Congressman Mike Simpson for his work in helping to secure these funds,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.

The Idaho Department of Lands applied for the grant which federal rules only allow to be used for suppression costs associated with fires that are actively burning and determined to be an imminent threat to lives and property. The Idaho Department of Lands also plans to apply for FEMA funds to help defray costs associated with the East Zone and Cascade Complex fires that threaten the community of Yellow Pine.

“We appreciate FEMA joining our other federal partners in assisting Blaine County, Ketchum, and the citizens of Idaho in offering their assistance to help solve some of the financial problems we have incurred due to these large fires,” said Bill Bishop, Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

To date the State of Idaho has spent over $22.9 million fighting fires this fire season.

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