Governor Gianforte Secures Support from FEMA to Fight Poverty Flats Fire

• July 28 2021

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to assist with costs associated with fighting the Poverty Flats Fire burning in Big Horn County and Crow Agency.

“Montana is experiencing severe fire conditions, and weather forecasts indicate that will continue for the foreseeable future,” Governor Gianforte said. “As we face an intense competition for resources, we’re asking Montanans to help us navigate these challenging times by avoiding activities that can generate sparks and start a wildfire.”

Today, Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) submitted the request for firefighting assistance and the request was approved this afternoon by FEMA.

The FMAG makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs. Eligible costs include materials and supplies, mobilization and demobilization, equipment use, and expenses for field camps.

Additionally, each FMAG generates over $550,000 in federal mitigation funding.

The Poverty Flats Fire is threatening more than 1,240 homes in and around the Crow Agency and the town of Hardin in Big Horn County. The fire is also threatening several buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and roads in the area. The fire started yesterday, July 27, 2021 and has burned more than 65,000 acres and is zero percent contained.

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