FEMA Funding to Help California Fight Freeway Complex Fire
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Release Number: R9-08-053
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OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help California fight the Freeway Complex Fire affecting Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties.
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.
The Freeway Complex Fire, also called the Triangle Complex Fire, has burned more than 10,000 acres and is zero percent contained as of Sunday evening. Sixty homes have been destroyed and 100 dam-aged. Almost 4,000 homes and 100 businesses are still threatened. More than 25,000 evacuations have taken place.
"FEMA is working side-by-side with our state and local partners to identify needs and provide support to California," said FEMA Region IX Acting Administrator Karen Armes.
The President's Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management 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.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Nov-2008 11:27:37