(Washington, DC) – Congressman Ander Crenshaw today attended a meeting that included Federal Emergency Management Agency Director David Paulison and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate and requested federal assistance to aid North Florida’s recovery efforts in the wake of the Bugaboo Fire. 

 

“The Bugaboo fire has been a catastrophe for North Florida, affecting more than 120,000 acres of forest,” said Congressman Crenshaw.  “The recovery costs alone shouldn’t have to be another catastrophe.  As our firefighters and emergency personnel continue to make progress containing the fire, it’s time to start thinking about federal relief. 

 

“I chose this opportunity to explain to the appropriate federal officials that funding for our recovery should be a priority.  The cost will be high – not only in terms of manpower, equipment, and resources, but also in enormous losses to our local timber industry.  Our message has been heard and I will continue to work to ensure North Florida doesn’t get burned.”

 

Congressman Crenshaw took the opportunity to request this aid during a meeting between the Florida Congressional Delegation and top-ranking federal and state emergency officials regarding hurricane preparedness and response.  Last Monday Congressman Crenshaw visited the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department outside Lake City to be briefed on the Bugaboo Fire.

 

According to David Fugate, continued severe draughts in Florida are a key reason for the size of the Bugaboo fire and could lead to additional fires.  $370 million included in the Iraq War Supplemental for the U.S. Forest Service and $95 million for the U.S. Department of the Interior will help fight forest fires in the face of these draughts.