OAKLAND–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 to combat the Cedar Fire burning in Kern and Tulare Counties.
On August 22, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the Cedar Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,294 homes in and around the community of Wofford Heights, with a total estimated population of 2,200. Mandatory evacuations were issued for approximately 1,588 people.
The fire started on August 16, and had burned in excess of 19,629 acres of federal, state and private land. The fire is five percent contained. The Regional Administrator, FEMA Region IX, determined that the Cedar Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. The state’s request was approved August 22.
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.
