Disaster declaration issued for Henry’s Creek Fire

Governor C.L “Butch” Otter has signed a disaster declaration for Bonneville County in response to the still growing Henry’s Creek Fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also approved the state’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the fire.

“A fire of this scope and severity has not happened in Eastern Idaho in most peoples’ memory,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “There are vast scenic and recreational areas in jeopardy because of this fire and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to preserve and protect the region’s valuable resources.”

At the time of the request, the fire threatened 785 homes in and around the Cities of Irwin and Swan Valley and the community of Palisades, total population 2,000. Approximately 471 of the threatened homes are primary residences and 314 are secondary homes. The fire continues to threaten the Blacktail Recreational Area, BP Energy lines, the Palisades Dam, and sensitive wildlife habitat in the area. Voluntary evacuations were issued for approximately 120 people.

The FMAG authorization makes funding available to pay 75% of eligible firefighting costs. This includes managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. The grants only provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts.