FEMA Approves Federal Funds for the California Williams Fire

Release Date: September 24, 2002
Release Number: R9-02-15

» 2002 Region IX News Releases

Oakland, CA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today made federal funds available to help fight the uncontrolled Williams fire burning in Angeles National Forest, 25 miles north of Azusa in Los Angeles County.

FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh approved the state's latest request for federal fire management assistance at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, when it became clear that the 5,000-acre blaze posed a threat to more than 300 homes in the communities of LaVern and Glendora. The now 8,000-acre wildfire has destroyed 44 structures in San Dimas Canyon area and caused 300 residents to be evacuated.

"FEMA is committed to assisting our nation's firefighters by getting them the resources they need to quickly extinguish these fires threatening people's lives and property," FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said.

The Williams fire is the 11th to be designated for California this year under the Federal Fire Management Assistance Program. FEMA recently streamlined the rules for the program to better support state and local firefighting efforts.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 15:56:10