As New Jersey Fire Rages On, Fire Management Assistance Grant Approved For New Jersey

Washington - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today applauded FEMA's swift approval of a fire management assistance grant for New Jersey's battle against a fire ravaging the Pinelands. The FEMA grants will reimburse state and local governments for fire management efforts.

The fire, which began Tuesday afternoon, has already consumed thousands of acres in Burlington and Ocean Counties, and has resulted in thousands of evacuations and several road closures. Believed to have been sparked by a flare from a New Jersey Air National Guard exercise, the Senators expressed concern and urged the military to investigate the cause and review its practices.

"I am deeply concerned about the safety and well being of our residents and the extensive damage and loss of property that this fire is causing. Thousands of New Jerseyans have fled their homes, thousands of acres have gone up in flames, but I am encouraged by the efforts of local firefighters and by the quick approval of federal aid," said Menendez. "Our primary concern must be containing this fire and preventing any more damage. However, once the fire is extinguished, the military needs to review this incident and put in place safeguards so that future exercises do not endanger public safety in our state."

"We are relieved that FEMA responded so quickly to Gov. Corzine's request for disaster relief. The Pinelands blaze has forced thousands of families from their homes and burned thousands of acres of land. This funding will help firefighters and other emergency personnel extinguish this fire as soon as possible to prevent further damage," said Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg.