FEMA Funds Wildfire Firefighting Efforts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it has authorized federal funds to pay for 75 percent of state, local and tribal government to fight a fire in Palo Pinto County, which has burned 700 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 people.

At least three people have lost their lives in wildfires and dozens of homes have been destroyed in drought-parched Texas. More than 100,000 acres have been scorched.

The Palo Pinto County fire, threatening the resort area of Possum Kingdom and residents in Palo Pinto County, started on Thursday.

Acting FEMA Regional Administrator, Gary Jones, in a statement issued today, praised the heroic efforts of the firefighters who have saved several thousand homes and countless lives.

Texas Forest Service spokesman, Bill Beebe, today says the fire had destroyed 14 homes and was zero percent contained.

FEMA said it was responding to a request for assistance made on Tuesday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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