Request for Fire Declaration
The Governor Authorized Representative (GAR), must make a request for a fire management assistance declaration to the FEMA Regional Director while the fire is burning uncontrolled and threatens such disaster as would constitute a major disaster.
In Washington, the GAR is the State Forester with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Governor has authorized alternates from DNR and EMD. Only these individuals may submit the request for a fire declaration to FEMA for Washington State.
EMD consults with DNR on fire conditions. FEMA consults with the principal fire advisor on the fire conditions. EMD and DNR consult with FEMA on the incident period for the fire. The incident period includes a start and end time, usually on a shift change. The incident period is for the time period that the fire was considered a threat. The incident period can be from just a day to a few weeks. The incident period normally does not include all of the time that a fire actually burns.
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