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 Nevada to combat the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.

On October 14, 2016, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.  At the time of the request, the fire was immediately threatening 150 homes in and around the community of West Washoe Valley.    Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 200 people.  The fire, which also started on October 14, has burned in excess of total 700 acres of state and private land.

The Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region IX, determined that the Little Valley Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.  The State’s request was immediately approved on October 14, 2016.

Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.  The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters.  Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization; and demobilization activities.

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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.