Federal help approved for 2 more Western MT wildfires

Another two wildfires will be receiving help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) announced Monday morning that FEMA disaster assistance will be coming to help fight the Highway 200 Complex in Sanders County, and the Moose Peak Fire in Sanders and Lincoln counties.

“These resources will bring some much-needed relief as wildfires continue to rage across the state,” Sen. Tester said in a statement. “We will keep on the federal government to ensure it’s doing its part as families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers are impacted by a hot, dry fire season.”

The resources come in the form of a Fire Management Assistance Grant and makes FEMA funding available to pay 75% of the state’s eligible firefighting costs.

Fire Management Assistance Grants can assist with expenses for field camps, equipment, mobilization and demobilization activities, tools, materials and supplies.

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

Sen. Tester announced Sunday that the Alice Creek, Rice Ridge and West Fork fires would receive help from FEMA. Federal money had previously been allocated for the Lolo Peak fire.

The Senator has also set up an online portal to where Montanans hit by wildfire or drought can contact his office.

http://www.kpax.com/story/36336399/federal-help-approved-for-two-more-western-wt-wildfires