(a) In processing a State's request for a fire management assistance declaration, the Regional Administrator, in coordination with the Principal Advisor, will verify the information submitted in the State's request.

(b) The Principal Advisor, at the request of the Regional Administrator, is responsible for providing FEMA a technical assessment of the fire or fire complex for which the State is requesting a fire management assistance declaration. The Principal Advisor may consult with State agencies, usually emergency management or forestry, as well as the Incident Commander, in order to provide FEMA with an accurate assessment.