WASHINGTON, D.C. – As South Jersey continues to work through containing the April 22nd Jones Road Wildfire’, local law enforcement and other first responders will see federal funding being sent to New Jersey to assist response efforts after being granted approval for a Fire Management Assistance Grant. This announcement comes after Senator Kim spent Wednesday afternoon in South Jersey inspecting the areas impacted and checking in with first responders who have been on the frontlines of this fire. 

“As I walked around the areas scorched by the fire, I wanted to ensure our brave firefighters and first responders had everything possible to help contain this disaster,” said Senator Andy Kim. “As Ranking Member of the Senate subcommittee that oversees FEMA, I’m grateful to be able to help bring federal support to help our state during a time of critical need.”

“I wish to thank Senator Kim on behalf of the DEP’s Forest Fire Service and the many state and local agencies that responded to the Jones Road wildfire,” said New Jersey Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “As devastating as this wildfire was, the heroic efforts of the Forest Fire Service and our many partners on the ground protected many thousands of lives and averted what could have been extensive loss of property. This wildfire, the most significant to impact the state in many years, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance or partnerships across all levels of government – from federal agencies to state agencies and down to the local first responders who work tirelessly to protect their communities.”

While the total amount of funding provided by FEMA won’t be known until the fire is 100% contained, this grant will help with costs for equipment and supplies, alleviate costs for food and other aid needed by firefighters who are on the ground, and will help make sure first responders have what they need to fully contain the fire. 

This funding comes at a time when the Trump Administration is threatening to eliminate FEMA which would leave communities and families without necessary assistance to rebuild after hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters like wildfires, and has directed his agencies to discriminate against ‘blue states’ and prioritize funding for those states who politically support him.  

Senator Kim is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey and find information on how to stay up to date with his office here.

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