FEMA Awards $2.6 Million To California For Canyon Fire 

Release Date: August 3, 2004
Release Number: R9-04-054

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released more than $2.6 million to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) for eligible costs incurred in fighting the Canyon Fire. The Canyon Fire started on July 25, 2003, burned approximately 4,300 acres, and threatened homes in the Riverside County communities of Poppet Flats, Vista Grande and Pine Cove.

“FEMA recognizes that states may need a helping hand to cover the full costs of battling wildland blazes,” said Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael D. Brown. “States should not have the added burden of worrying where funding will come from when the firefighters are battling to save lives and property.”
The total eligible firefight costs are about $3.5 million. Eligible firefighting costs covered by FEMA under its Fire Management Assistance Grant Program may include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program, part of the President’s Disaster Relief Fund, can cover costs of fighting wildland fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. FEMA provides 75 percent of the total and the state pays the remaining 25 percent. Eligible expenses include: costs for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Aug-2004 14:55:57