FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County, California

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Blue Cut Fire burning in San Bernardino County, Calif.

On August 16, 2016, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Blue Cut Fire.  The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 600 primary homes in and around the communities of Phelan, Pinion Hills, and Wrightwood, total estimated population 30,000.

 

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 costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County, California

FEMA Provides Federal Funds to Help Fight Blue Creek Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Blue Creek Fire, burning in Walla Walla County, Wash.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Blue Creek Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 21, 2015, at 12:10 a.m. PDT. This is the second FMAG approved in the state of Washington this fire season.

The fire started on July 20, 2015, and at the time of the request, the fire had burned approximately 3,000 acres including one home and threatened 150 more primary residences. Additionally, the Blue Creek and Mill Creek watersheds were being threatened along with six bridges, various roadways and electrical utilities. The fire was moving northeast toward the Black Snake Subdivision. Evacuation orders were in place with 50 residents staying at a Red Cross Shelter at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds.

Firefighting resources on scene includes federal, state, and local personnel, three helicopters, 32 engines, and two dozers. The principal fire advisor confirmed the threat to the community and homes due to favorable burning conditions and extreme fire behavior. The fire was zero percent contained.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funds to Help Fight Blue Creek Fire