FEMA Funding To Help California Fight Canyon Fire In Kern County

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California fight the Canyon Fire in Kern County.

This 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.  Eligible costs can include equipment and supplies and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

"With this wildfire threatening neighborhoods, our commitment to the people of Kern County is strong," said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.  "FEMA will continue to support our state and local partners during this time of uncertainty."

Following a request from the state of California, FEMA Region IX quickly approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG).

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 150 homes, 100 buildings, infrastructure, utilities, and equipment near Bodfish.  The blaze has burned in excess of 5,100 acres of land and has triggered mandatory and voluntary evacuations.  

The President's Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants 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.



Author:FEMA Press Release