Governor Pat McCrory has expanded a State of Emergency to cover 22 additional counties to help the state combat the ongoing spread of wildfires in western North Carolina. The governor joined firefighters, emergency management officials and volunteers today at the Macon County Incident Command Post Center to provide an update on the state’s response to the wildfires.
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Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved funding to cover additional expenses to help communities in 36 counties recover and rebuild from Hurricane Matthew. Additionally Montgomery County was approved for Public Assistance funds to address clearing storm-related debris and emergency protective measures.
Six weeks since President Obama declared a major federal disaster after Hurricane Matthew brought severe flooding to North Carolina, FEMA and its federal partners are working urgently to support the state and its residents as they rebuild their lives and communities.
As of Nov. 18, more than $152 million has been approved in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments to those affected by the flooding.
Governor Pat McCrory is applauding the bravery and courageous efforts by firefighters to protect homes and turn the tide of the Party Rock Fire, despite high winds and continued dry conditions.
“The more than 900 firefighters from across the country that have assembled in North Carolina to fight these dangerous fires are true heroes,” said Governor McCrory. “Their courageous efforts over the weekend helped turn the corner in fighting the Party Rock fire, saving lives and property. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their outstanding service.”
Governor Pat McCrory’s Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee held its third regional meeting today in Cumberland County, where it discussed topics such as relief fundraising efforts, community outreach assistance and plans for long-term recovery for communities.
As North Carolina continues to experience wildfires in the western portion of the state, the Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to exercise safe driving habits when traveling through the affected areas. Although some roadways may not be directly in the fire’s path, the smoke that is produced can cause hazardous driving conditions.
Governor Pat McCrory’s Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee held its second regional meeting today in Edgecombe County, where it discussed steps to continue relief fundraising efforts, community outreach and long-term plans for sustainable communities. The committee heard comments from members of the community directly affected by the storm.
At the request of the State of North Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a 31-day extension for Hurricane Matthew survivors to apply for federal disaster assistance.
The state has requested more time for registration because a number of counties were added for Individual Assistance several weeks after the original Oct. 10 presidential disaster declaration.
Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the state is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to be issued to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for setting wildfires in western North Carolina. More than 46,000 acres have been burned by wildfires throughout the region, many of which are believed to have been man-made.
The Joint FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Sampson County will close Friday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. The center is located at:
Sampson County Human Services 360 County Complex Road, Suite 200, Room 274 Clinton, NC 28328
At this time, visits to the center have decreased. Therefore, FEMA and the state will close the center and relocate resources to other centers in the affected counties.
Survivors can still get help by calling the FEMA Helpline or visiting one of the other recovery centers.