LAKE COUNTY >> As mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for the entire Spring Valley community where 8,200 acres burned since the Pawnee fire started late Saturday, 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 fire, according to information made public Monday by department officials.
On Sunday, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Pawnee Fire.
According to a FEMA Region IX Public Affairs press release, the FEMA regional administrator determined the Pawnee fire threatened such destruction as would constitute “a major disaster.”
Fire Management Assistance Grants provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible fire fighting costs. According to the information provided by the department, the disaster relief fund provides funding through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters.
Eligible costs covered by grants can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilizations activities attributed to fighting the fire.
Lake county has also received requests for information on the most effective way to make donations to assist Pawnee fire survivors and their families, according to information released by the administrative office.
County officials said their thoughts and prayers were with the more than 200 fire personnel and crews still battling to contain the fire which has already ravaged thousands of acres in the Spring Valley area, north of Clearlake Oaks and destroyed 22 structures to date.
“Lake County is fortunate to have the support of experienced and excellent first responders,” said Jim Steele, District 3 Supervisor. “They are working tirelessly to protect Lake County residents, stabilize the Pawnee Fire, and safeguard residents’ property.”
According to officials, cash donations are most helpful at this time because they allow those supporting disaster relief options to direct assistance where it is most needed.
The county is unable to accept in-kind donations, such as clothing, household goods and other supplies. In-kind donations require significant time and financial resources to distribute.
County staff advice if someone is in need of clothing or other everyday items, residents should provide them directly, if possible.
“If you are able to help the broader disaster response and relief effort, cash is best,” officials noted, adding that those who are able should make cash donations at: https://www.ncoinc.org.
