Arizona Governor Releases Emergency Funds for Wildfire Suppression Efforts

Gov. Janet Napolitano declared a state of emergency throughout Arizona on Feb. 20, releasing severity funds in preparation of the 2006 wildfire season. These additional funds will continue ongoing fire preparation efforts and fire awareness outreach as the state prepares for an extended wildfire season.

“Rain that is far below normal statewide and the drought-stressed brush and timber indicate a long and intense fire season throughout Arizona,” said the Napolitano. “We’ve already experienced wildfires this year and need to continue to take steps to protect citizens and property. These funds are a crucial step to helping Arizona prepare.”

The dry conditions throughout the state prompted the Napolitano to sign an emergency declaration to aid in Arizona’s preparation for wildland fire season. Through this declaration, Napolitano allocated $200,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management to support the State Land Department for their pre-suppression activities and strategy.

This year’s fire outlook underscores the necessity of stretching state and federal resources for a wildfire season that is predicted to last much longer than usual.

This emergency declaration increases efforts already taken by the state in wildfire suppression efforts, including:

Increasing resources for prevention and preparedness
Quadrupling the number of inmate crews trained to implement hazardous fuels treatments and fight wildland fires
Consolidating forestry functions under the State Forester
Acquiring mobile interoperable communications vehicles to enhance on-scene communications.

In addition, Napolitano sent a letter in December 2005 to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to urge them to “set priorities and ensure the wildland firefighting and prevention resources are in place to meet the need.” While the federal government hasn’t further reduced wildfire resources for Arizona, the current large airtanker fleet is a significant reduction from 44 heavy tankers in 2004 to 16 today.

“I cannot stress enough the important roles federal, state, local and individuals play in fire preparedness,” said the Napolitano. “This could be a very bad season and we all need to do our part.”

Napolitano also approved the annual transfer of $1 million from the State’s General Fund to the State Land Department for pre-positioning State wildland fire resources.

The funds taken from the General Fund and allotted by the declaration will cover continuing wildfire preparation, including:

Securing and positioning firefighters and engines ahead of time
Train and equip Department of Corrections fire crews
Contract single engine airtankers (SEATs) and aerial supervision aircraft
Provide helicopter preparedness for National Guard and Department of Public Safety
Assist local, county and city helicopter crews

Source: Arizona Office of the Governor news release

Posted: Friday, February 24, 2006 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Friday, February 24, 2006 11:41:07 AM.

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