FEMA steps in to help pay for Silver City firefighting effort
FEMA steps in to help pay for Silver City firefighting effort
08 March 2011
published by www.kob.com
USA — Early Tuesday morning FEMA approved a grant to help pay for 75 percent of the cost to fight and contain the fast moving blaze near Silver City.
The grass fire that started burning Monday afternoon south of Silver City spread fast from high winds.
As of Tuesday morning the fire has burned 1,700 acres and destroyed between 10 to 15 structures.
New Mexico Forestry Division Spokesman Dan Ware says the next few hours Tuesday morning are critical in getting those flames under control because humidity is up and temperatures are down.
Ware says anyone living near the fire should prepare a to-go kit in the event that they are evacuated. He suggests that kit include prescription medications, financial document and family photos.
Owners should also prepare their animals for evacuation. Pets can be dropped off at the Animal Humane Society south of Silver City.
Over 100 homes were evacuated Monday night by Grant County Dispatch. Evacuees are being directed to Grant County Convention Center at 1400 Highway 180 East in Silver City (directions here).
As of Monday night one firefighter was hospitalized for his injuries, but no other injuries have since been reported.
