FEMA approves North Carolina's request for fire management grant amid Alarka Fire threat

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — FEMA has approved the State of North Carolina's request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG).

According to a release, the request made on March 26 was in response to the Alarka Fire in Swain County, which was reported to be 0% contained and had burned 911 acres as of Thursday, March 27.

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This type of request is covered under the Disaster Relief Fund, which provides funding through FEMA to help combat fires that could cause significant damage.

FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert D. Samaan approved the state's request on March 26, as the fire was at risk of becoming a major disaster.

The release said grants such as the Fire Management Assistance Grant cover up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs with federal funding.

At the time of the request, the fire threatened more than 400 homes in the area, in addition to "critical areas" such as watersheds, fishing streams, spawning sites, wildlife habitats, environmental and cultural resources, recreational areas, and several houses of worship.

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The release said the fire also posed a threat to properties owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

For the latest information and updates on the wildfires in Western North Carolina, please visit the WLOS News 13 website.