Deadline near for agencies seeking assistance for wildfire fighting

TULSA, Okla. (AP) The deadline is near for public agencies in Oklahoma that want to ask federal funds to offset the cost of fighting recent wildfires. <br/><br/>The agencies have until February 9th, next

Friday, February 3rd 2006, 6:38 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) The deadline is near for public agencies in Oklahoma that want to ask federal funds to offset the cost of fighting recent wildfires.

The agencies have until February 9th, next Thursday, to file their requests with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Individuals and businesses in 26 counties are eligible for federal assistance. Those outside the designated counties are encouraged to report damage and losses to FEMA or local emergency managers.

There is no deadline for individuals who are seeking assistance, but officials say people should file quickly.

Agencies asking for assistance must include detailed records of hours worked, overtime, equipment used and information on any damage to the equipment.

Emergency officials say wildfires have burned more than 431-thousand acres since November and destroyed more than 200 homes and businesses.