As the flames of the Black Crater fire near Sisters, OR raged out of control,
spreading to more than 4,700 acres, battling more than 500 firefighters and costing more than $1 million, The US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) authorized spending federal dollars to combat the destruction.
In a press release, FEMA said the rising threat to homes and businesses caused the government agency to approve the state’s request. Under the plan, FEMA money can pay up to 75 percent of the firefighting costs.
According to the release “FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents,” but was in the public eye following accusations of incompetence during the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
The fire, the Associated Press has reported, has caused mass evacuations. High winds and volatile fuels have contributed to the massive spread, which as of yet is only five percent contained.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
-Edward Oser