2025 Wildfires Disaster Financial Assistance Program

• Proof that work was done at a specific disaster damage site and on a specific related function
• Evidence of the cost of the work
• Proof that the local authority incurred the expense by paying for the work
• Timesheets or operator’s reports
• Inspection report for infrastructure damages

Who is eligible?

• Local authorities

Eligible expenses

• Equipment and supplies that cannot be reused/added to inventory after the event
• Expenses for recovering from a disaster event using equipment such as graders, back-hoes, loaders, etc.
• Mobilization and hauling costs for equipment
• Light duty trucks used to haul equipment, limited to the actual hours of operation for the truck
• The difference between the original purchase price and the asset’s remaining market value

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Stand-by equipment hours—also known as equipment “downtime.”
• Operating costs for fuel, oil (these are included in the MHCA rate).
• Regular staff time during regular working hours (overtime is eligible).
• Medical services delivered through normal health resources
• Permanent repairs/reconstruction work on the RESPONSE claim forms

• Nature and extent of disaster impacts
• Eligibility of the costs claimed
• Availability of insurance or other recovery sources
• Supporting documentation and inspection results

• Step 1: Prepare claim records
  • Keep equipment, personnel, and expense records organized by site.
  • Attach invoices, timesheets, operator reports, and proof of payment.
  • Include inspection reports for damaged infrastructure when required.
• Step 2: Complete claim forms
  • Enter the local authority and event information.
  • Record equipment, personnel, response, and recovery costs in the proper sections.
  • Document PST and any supporting evidence requested.
• Step 3: Submit the claim package
  • Submit the completed claim forms with all supporting documentation to Manitoba EMO.

• Claims cannot be processed unless accompanied by an invoice clearly showing that the goods and services have been paid for.
• All infrastructure damages require an inspection report.
• For repairs and restoration of damaged infrastructure, the inspection report must be completed by Manitoba Emergency Management Organization’s third-party engineering service provider.
• Time sheets and payroll records are a suitable replacement for an invoice when using local authority equipment and personnel.

• DFA is a program of last resort.
• Not all natural disasters will result in a DFA program being established.
• When a request for DFA is received, Manitoba evaluates the request to determine if the event and its related impacts are eligible for the DFA Program.
• A dedicated liaison will be assigned to each local authority.