RATLIFF CITY, OK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Carter County along with eight other area counties a disaster area, almost a week ago. Now federal aid is starting to roll in, but families who lost everything to the wildfires in April say they've been waiting more than two months for federal help.

"I lost all my pictures, just everything,” Cindy Evans told First News back in April after her house burned to the ground in the devastating wild fires.

Now more than two months later, at the end of June, green grass grows tall over what was once burned ground, but what was supposed to be Evan's retirement home remains a pile of charred ruble.

"It's still pretty rough, it's still hard seeing it the way it is,” Evans said.

The state of Oklahoma requested federal assistance for fire victims like Evans back in April. On Friday, June 19, President Obama signed the disaster declaration, approving individual help for the area.

Victims like Evans say it's been a long time coming.

"Oh gosh, I don't know how to describe it,” Evans said. “It's been frustrating and hard, and you feel like you want to do something to make the government hurry up."

In May Evans said she faxed a handwritten letter to the White House, explaining the community need. Evans said she likes to think the letter helped, but she’s just thankful she's not going to have to live in a hotel much longer.

"Food wise it's been hard, gas coming back and forth to take care of stuff, it's just rough,” Evans explained. “I know it sounds wonderful staying in a hotel, but it's really not."

While those affected believe the help should have come sooner, Ratliff City Emergency Management Director, Robert Thornton says FEMA help is critical.

"Economically we've had a couple businesses here that were affected, so the package coming in and helping our citizens is the primary concern,” Thornton said.

Thornton said a mobile FEMA command post, similar to one set up in Lone Grove after the February tornado could be coming soon.

Evans she's just relived help has finally arrived.

"It's like now I can actually go somewhere and try to get another house,” Evans said.

If you live in Carter, Murray or Stephens County and would like to apply for federal aid in the wake of the wild fires, FEMA’s toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or other losses. You can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Individuals may also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.