FEMA Funding to Help California Fight Sayre Fire
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Release Number: R9-08-052
» 2008 Region IX News Releases
OAKLAND, Ca. -- 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 Sayre in Los Angeles 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.
As of Sunday evening, the fire burned 8,000 acres and was 20 percent contained. More than 600 homes and 10 commercial properties have been destroyed. Thousands of residences and hundreds of commercial and outbuildings are threatened.
"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 11:56:40