Congressman Cole's Statement on Additional Counties Eligible for Fire Assistance

January 27, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Cole made the following statement after hearing the news that additional counties were added to the disaster declaration. These counties will now be eligible to receive federal funds to help fight the wild fires and recover from their damage.

"I am very pleased that these additional counties were added to the disaster declaration. This is good news for the firefighters in those areas, and for the families in those counties that have lost their homes to these wild fires," Congressman Cole said. "Oklahoma emergency management officials and the local FEMA team have been working hard to ensure that everyone receives the assistance they need. My office is also available to answer questions and help families, small business, farmers and ranchers that were affected by these fires."

To apply for these funds please call 1-800-621- FEMA (3362); those with speech or hearing impairments may call the TTY number at 1-800-462-7595. Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. An application may also be filed online at www.fema.gov. For any additional assistance, Congressman Cole's office can be reached at 405-329-6500.

The major disaster declaration for Oklahoma wildfires, DR 1623, has been amended to include the following counties for Individual Assistance.

Bryan

Carter

Choctaw

Creek

McIntosh

Murray

Muskogee

Okmulgee

Osage

Payne

Pittsburg