California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci today secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Wall Fire burning in Butte County. The FMAG also enables local, state and tribal agencies to recover eligible costs.

Thus far, the fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres, threatening structures near the areas near Bangor, Kelly Ridge and Oroville. Cal OES is working with Cal FIRE and Butte County to mobilize multiple fire strike teams and firefighters including fire engines, dozers, water tenders and fire retardant drops from aircraft as well as shelter operations staff and emergency communications capability. Statewide, about 200 local government and another 40 Cal OES fire engines have been mobilized to assist wildfire activity.

Cal OES Fire, Law Enforcement and Inland Region personnel are currently working with other response agencies to address all emergency management, law enforcement, evacuation and mutual aid needs for the incident. The recent sustained, high temperatures around the state and dry conditions have made ideal environment for dangerous fire conditions throughout California.

The federal grant, which is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund on cost-share basis, will assist local, state and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75-percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.

Additional information is available at:

Fire Management Assistance Grants – http://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/recovery/public-assistance/fire-management-assistance-grant

Cal FIRE Wall Fire Information page – http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1637

Cal OES Twitter @Cal_OES

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services – http://www.caloes.ca.gov/