WASHINGTON, D.C. >> U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) sent a letter to the White House on Monday urging it to approve Individual Assistance (IA) for victims of the Valley Fire. Earlier on Monday, the State of California submitted its request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for IA. The FEMA disaster funds for IA can be used to help individuals rebuild, repair and replace housing and other personal property.
“The Valley Fire is one of the worst in our state’s history. It has forced thousands of people to evacuate their communities, destroyed more than a thousand homes, and left many families with nothing,” said Thompson. “I urge the White House to quickly act so that we can begin working to help folks get back on their feet. I stand ready to help expedite and support any requests. The faster these funds are approved, the faster families can begin the recovery process.”
The state and local governments have conducted damage assessments and determined that the extent of the damage is beyond its capacity to repair without federal assistance. Because of this determination the state has formally requested IA. The request for IA must be approved by the President.
The Valley Fire, which started on September 12, 2015 has burned nearly 76,000 acres and is currently 69 percent contained. 1,238 structures have been destroyed, including 68 commercial properties and 642 outbuildings have been destroyed. Thousands of people have been displaced. Three are confirmed dead.
FEMA previously approved the State of California’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration for the Valley Fire. The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) allows for the “mitigation, management, and control” of fires burning on publicly or privately owned forest or grasslands which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
The FEMA grant will cover 75 percent of the costs for various fire suppression, safety and recovery needs. Eligible costs include:
· Costs for equipment and supplies
· Costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control, arson investigation);
· Costs for State emergency operations center
· Costs for the pre-positioning of Federal, out-of-State, and international resources for up to 21 days
· Cost of personal comfort and safety items for firefighter health and safety
· Costs for field camps and meals
· Costs for mobilization and demobilization costs
· Costs for the temporary repair of damage cause by firefighting activities
· Costs for the mitigation, management, and control of declared fires burning on co-mingled Federal land, when such costs are not reimbursable by another Federal agency.
