FEMA denies additional aid to uninsured High Park Fire victims

High Park Fire. June 22, 2012.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A request from Gov. John Hickenlooper to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expand aid to uninsured and under-insured property owners who suffered losses in the High Park Fire has been denied.

The Coloradoan is reporting that FEMA has determined any additional aid for victims of the Larimer County wildfire is “not warranted.” The fire, which killed one, started June 9 and destroyed 136 square miles and 259 homes west of Fort Collins.

Hickenlooper told FEMA that damage to public infrastructure caused by the High Park and Woodland Heights fires in Larimer County was estimated at $2.5 million. He also said that amount would not be accounted for by existing fire aid.

As a state, Hickenlooper said Colorado has spent more than $42.5 million on fire suppression efforts this summer.

Though FEMA offered bad news on one front, the organization also notified Hickenlooper that it will offer hazard mitigation grants under President Obama’s June 28 disaster declaration, which included the High Park Fire area.

Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved disaster loan assistance for agriculture, businesses, homeowners and nonprofits affected by the fires or the ensuing floods and mudslides.