DENVER – FEMA has awarded more than $3.6 million to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to reimburse the cost of fire suppression measures resulting from the 2018 Spring Creek wildfire in Costilla and Huerfano Counties.
The funds are awarded through a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). FEMA provides a 75 percent share for eligible costs to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. Under this award, total eligible costs were $4,834,278.91 with the federal cost share of $3,625,709.18.
The Spring Creek Fire was human-caused and started on June 27, 2018. At the time of the FMAG request, the fire was 0% contained and threatened the Forbes Ranch Community, Wagon Creek Estates, power lines, and other infrastructure. This created an immediate threat to property and the health and safety of the public. The fire ultimately burned 108,045 acres and destroyed 140 buildings. It was the third largest wildfire in Colorado’s history at the time.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details.