FEMA has not yet cleared the way for Nat. Fire Service to assist in

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putting out fires that have errupted in NO.

PLanes are based in Missouri and could be useful.
Fox is reporting this.

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1. and yes, it is Fox laying it on the doors of FEMA.

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2. also saying there is a disconnect between requests from private

organizations (including police units) and FEMA--who has give permission.

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3. also I recall yesterday Condi said that FEMA had not reviewed Internation

al requests. she said this in a press conference when prodded by a reporter.

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4. They had offered fire-fighting planes.

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5. WTF is going on?

First Responders Urged Not To Respond To Hurricane Impact Areas Unless Dispatched By State, Local Authorities


Release Date: August 29, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response and head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today urged all fire and emergency services departments not to respond to counties and states affected by Hurricane Katrina without being requested and lawfully dispatched by state and local authorities under mutual aid agreements and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

“The response to Hurricane Katrina must be well coordinated between federal, state and local officials to most effectively protect life and property,” Brown said. “We appreciate the willingness and generosity of our Nation’s first responders to deploy during disasters. But such efforts must be coordinated so that fire-rescue efforts are the most effective possible.”

The U.S. Fire Administration, part of FEMA, asks that fire and emergency services organizations remain in contact with their local and state emergency management agency officials for updates on requirements in the affected areas.

“It is critical that fire and emergency departments across the country remain in their jurisdictions until such time as the affected states request assistance,” said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “State and local mutual aid agreements are in place as is the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and those mechanisms will be used to request and task resources needed in the affected areas.”

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18470

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6. msnbc just showed several fires and saying firepersons can NOT

get to them.

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7. air fireplanes could drop wate or chemicals but not allowed to!

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8. yes, i saw this a few days ago. STill NOTHING!

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9. kick