The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Monument Fire burning in Trinity County.
On August 17, 2021, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration for the Monument Fire burning in Trinity County. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 5,053 residential structures in and around Junction City, Weaverville, Hayfork, and Douglas City, with a total population of around 5,524.
Fire threat
Approximately 85 percent of the threatened homes were primary residences. The fire was also threatening 400 commercial structures, the Trinity Water System, 40,000 acres of commercial timberland, the Trinity River Lumber Company, County Fire, Sheriff’s Office, Cal Hwy Patrol, Cal Transportation, and major power transmission lines.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on August 17, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
Approved Grant
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters.
Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.