(ROUND ROCK, TX) – U.S. Representative John Carter (R-TX31) today inspected wildfire damage in Williamson and Bell counties, and pledged to continue working for disaster relief for all affected areas in Central Texas.
“The reality that these wildfires are the worst in Texas history really sinks in when viewing the destruction left in their wake,” says Carter. “While I am relieved that our district is approved for fire management assistance from FEMA for damages from the Moonglow Fire in Williamson County, there are additional assistance needs in Central Texas.”
Carter will continue working with local officials to assess damages and the ability of local responders to meet future threats from the wildfires. “We must be sure to replenish the emergency resources used up by these disasters in order to ensure our ability to respond to future needs,” says Carter.
The former Williamson County judge says he intends to continue working with FEMA to make sure all appropriate federal resources are made available to area agencies and citizens. “With FEMA currently under pressure to respond to damages from Hurricane Irene and potential new challenges during the height of hurricane season, we must make sure the damages we are sustaining here in Texas are not overlooked.”
FEMA Statement: On September 5, 2011, the State of Texas submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Moonglow Fire burning in Williamson County. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening homes in and around the city of Leander, Texas, (population 7,568). The fire was in the neighborhoods at the time of the request and 13 homes had burned. One hundred percent of the threatened homes are primary residences. The fire was also threatening utilities. The National Weather Service had issued Red Flag warnings for the area. Evacuations had taken place for approximately 840 people. The fire started on September 5, 2011, and had burned in excess of 300 acres of private land. There were 107 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state. The Principal Advisor confirmed the threat. The fire was zero percent contained. The Regional Administrator, FEMA Region VI determined that the Moonglow Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. The state’s request was approved on September 6, 2011, at 12:05 AM EDT, and was designated as FEMA-2963-FM-TX.
Contact:John.Stone@mail.house.gov; (202) 225-3864 U.S. Rep. John Carter 31st District of Texas 409 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
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