RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory says FEMA has approved his request for financial assistance to fight the wildfires in western North Carolina.
FEMA will now pay for 75 percent of the emergency protective measures taken in fighting the fires, after approving the Fire Management Assistance Grant.
“This is good news in our continued efforts to protect lives and property as teams continue to try to get these fires under control,” said Governor McCrory. “It is imperative that we use all of the resources at our disposal to handle this serious and dangerous situation in western North Carolina.”
Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency for 25 counties in that part of the state including Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties.
Currently, more than 20 active wildfires are ablaze in western North Carolina. The grant money will help cover costs for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.
