Financial Reimbursements Approved for Bighorn Fire Evacuations

  • Published
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs

Davis-Monthan informed Airmen of the resources available to them during the Pima County ordered evacuation on Friday, June 12.

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A lightning-caused fire has been burning on the west end of the Santa Catalina Mountains since 5 June. The blaze has since moved east and south closer to populated areas of the Catalina Foothills.

The wing commander has authorized evacuation allowances for Air Force members who meet specific criteria in response to Pima County’s Bighorn Fire Evacuation Orders.

What does this mean to me?

If you meet all the following criteria, you are authorized per-diem, lodging and local mileage reimbursement:

- You perform duty at a location within the Permanent Duty Station limits of Davis- Monthan AFB

- You perform duty at a location other than the service member’s residence

- You require overnight accommodations

- Your residence is located within a Pima County evacuation zone

How do I know if I should evacuate? How is Pima County identifying the evacuation zones?

Pima County is following the “Ready, Set, Go!” approach in response to the Bighorn Fire. The three steps include:

- READY – prepare for threats to the community

- SET – maintain awareness of significant danger

- GO – evacuate immediately

Areas near the fire are being classified into “SET” and “GO” zones if danger exists. “GO” zones should be evacuated immediately, while residents in “SET” zones should remain vigilant. Please reference the interactive map available here to determine whether your residence is located in one of these zones.

Am I authorized reimbursement if I live close to a Pima County evacuation “GO” zone or live in a Pima County evacuation “SET” zone?

No. If you are located in a “SET” zone you should maintain situational awareness of the fire and be prepared to move if Pima County transitions this area to a “GO” zone. You are able to evacuate at any time but will only be entitled to evacuation allowances if you meet the criteria listed above.

What are the entitlement rates?

 

Per-Diem

Lodging

Local Mileage

Member

$61

$96

¢57.5

Dependents 12 Years and Older

$61

$96

 

Dependents 12 Years and Younger

$30.50

$48

 

 

NOTES:

- The local mileage entitlement is a one-time reimbursement for your trip from your residence to your “Safe Haven Location” (temporary lodging) and from your “Safe Haven Location” to your residence.

- The lodging entitlement reimbursement is limited to what is actually spent. Example: SSgt Snuffy, his 31-year-old spouse and their 11 year-old daughter are entitled to up to $240 in lodging expenses per night, but they only spend $200. They will only be reimbursed $200 per night.

Where can I stay?

Your “Safe Haven Location” (temporary lodging) should be a minimum of five miles away but no further than 20 miles from the evacuation zones.

Should I use my Government Travel Card?

Use of the Government Travel Card is directed for authorized expenses. 

Will you reimburse hotel pet fees or storage fees for my stuff?

No. Evacuation entitlements are limited to those outlined above.

If I meet the criteria, how can I request my entitlements? What documents do I need?

Members must save receipts and documentation of expenses and complete a hard-copy DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher). Instructions on how to complete this document can be found here. Once complete, members should submit all receipts and the completed form to 355 CPTS customer service at 355cpts.custsvc@us.af.mil. Additional voucher guidance will be published the week of 15 June.

 

After the Pima County evacuation order has been lifted, how long will my entitlements last?

Members and dependents who meet the criteria above will continue to receive entitlements until the evacuation order has been lifted, plus one day. If a member feels they are unable to return to their home due to safety concerns after that point, they should immediately notify their chain of command to determine an appropriate way ahead.

 

Am I entitled to evacuation allowances if I evacuated from a “GO” zone before receiving this email?

Evacuation allowances have been approved to begin on 11 June, which was the first day Pima County issued an evacuation order.

 

What are other things I can do to remain prepared?

- Pima County is providing regular updates here: pima.gov/bighorn

- Sign up to receive emergency alerts here: myalerts.pima.gov/

- Make sure your insurance policies are up to date.