FEMA Provides More Than $1.7 Million In Federal Funds For Los Angeles County Fire Costs
Release Date: September 12, 2003
Release Number: R9-03-68
» 2003 Region IX News Releases
Oakland, CA - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's FEMA has approved more than $1.7 million in federal funds to reimburse the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) for costs incurred fighting the Leona Fire in Los Angeles County in September 2002.
FEMA initially approved the state's request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant program declaration on September 4, 2002. With this reimbursement authorization, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs, including labor, equipment, materials and other support expenses, that CDF incurred to suppress and control the fire. That share is $1,752,055.
"Last year was a tough fire season particularly in California," said Regional Director Jeff Griffin, FEMA Region IX. "This reimbursement will allow budgets to be replenished to ensure firefighters have the resources they need to continue to save lives and rescue property during the 2003 fire season."
The Leona fire, which started on September 3, 2002, was brought under control on September 12 after burning 5,100 acres and threatening homes near the town of Leona Valley.
Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to states to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 31-Oct-2003 15:30:40