| FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant |
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California fight the post fire in Kern County.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.
Following a request from the state of California, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) within hours. At the time of the request, the fire was immediately threatening 600 homes in and around the community of Frazier Park, population 2,800. The fire was also threatening buildings, infrastructure and utilities in the area. Mandatory evacuations were issued for approximately 400 people.
"FEMA is here to make sure that California has the resources needed to fight this fire, and that the federal government will remain with the state every step of the way," said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.
The President's Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible firefighting costs, covered by the grant, must meet a minimum threshold for costs before delivery of assistance. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.