Utah Receives Some Federal Support For Wildfires

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Utah's fire management teams are beginning to get a handle on several large wildfires, and now the federal government is helping the state get a handle on the expense of fighting those fires.

Utah has received two fire-management-assistance grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help fight the Neola North and Milford Flat wildfires. The FEMA grants pay up to 75% of the suppression costs of those fires. According to Tracey Dunford, Utah's Fire Management Coordinator, costs for the Neola North fire are approaching $8 million and the Milford Flat fire is over $5 million and will likely reach into the $6 million range.

On a positive note, Dunford says several of the large fires are reaching containment and the state's instant management teams are beginning to turn control of those fires back to local resources.

To listen to a longer interview about fire management and the problems recent fires post to Utah ranchers, download today's Midday Metro podcast.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW