FEMA Authorizes Assistance To Help Fight California Wildfire
Release Date: February 12, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-008
» 2002 Region IX News Releases
Washington, DC -- Federal assistance has been made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help California battle the uncontrolled Gavilan fire burning in San Diego County.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh approved the state's request for federal fire management assistance last night after it was reported that the blaze had destroyed 30 homes and forced the evacuation of more than 200 residences in the town of Fallbrook. The fire, which started last Sunday, had burned 3,000 acres of land at the time of the request.
Under the authorization, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.
Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires when they threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting 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.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Aug-2003 13:52:10