FEMA and OES Grant $41 Million to CAL FIRE For Autumn Wildfires

The grant will go to reimburse the state for regular employee overtime, equipment use, equipment rental, contract labor, aircraft use, materials, and similar costs incurred by other firefighting agencies ...

PASADENA, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) announced today that an estimated $41 million in public assistance funding will go to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for eligible costs incurred to fight the recent Southern California wildfires.

FEMA will provide 75 percent ($30.9 million) in firefighting costs, with the remaining 25 percent ($10.3 million) coming from the State of California. CAL FIRE, together with FEMA and OES project officers, is currently gathering cost documentation to determine the exact reimbursement amount.

The grant will go to reimburse the state for regular employee overtime, equipment use, equipment rental, contract labor, aircraft use, materials, and similar costs incurred by other firefighting agencies that are part of the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement.

“When the costs of battling 24 fires in seven counties overwhelms the state’s resources, there are programs in place to provide the necessary assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Hall of FEMA. “States should not have the added burden of worrying where funding will come from when firefighters are battling to save lives and property.”

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and certain private non-profit organizations in the disaster-designated counties may be eligible for assistance in the form of reimbursement for certain costs incurred in the disaster.

The Public Assistance program funds essential government costs. The categories of expenses eligible for assistance can include debris removal; emergency protective measures, including overtime pay for emergency workers; repair of roads and bridges; repair of water control facilities; repair of public buildings and equipment; repair of public utilities; and repair of recreational facilities such as parks.

“The nearly $31 million in public assistance grants that FEMA will provide to CAL FIRE as reimbursements for their heroic efforts in protecting lives, property and the environment during the recent fires is welcome news,” said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria of OES. “The money will significantly reduce the burden costs of responding have placed on CAL FIRE, the State of California and its taxpayers.”

Wildfires driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, spread throughout seven southern California counties beginning October 21, 2007. These wildfires resulted in the destruction of public and private property and the disruption of utilities and other essential services.

There were 24 named fire incidents, including the Canyon, Buckweed and Ranch fires in Los Angeles County, the huge Witch and Harris fires in San Diego County, the Santiago fire in Orange County, and the Grass Valley and Slide fire in San Bernardino County. Santa Barbara, Ventura and Riverside Counties were also affected by the firestorms.

To date, 521,663 acres have been burned; 3,309 structures destroyed, including 2,180 residences, and 281 structures have been damaged. Fire conditions were extremely dangerous due to the Santa Ana Winds coupled with an ongoing drought and low humidity levels. Because of the numerous fires, local resources were depleted requiring implementation of the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement.

Eligible costs began October 21, and can continue until the incident period is closed. The estimated eligible costs for this project are based on data submitted by CALFIRE. These costs may be revised when actual eligible costs are fully documented and provided to FEMA.


FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates overall state-agency response to major disasters in support of local government. OES is also responsible for maintaining the State Emergency Plan and coordinating California's preparedness,mitigation and recovery efforts.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 350 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472 United States

Contact Information:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
lynda.westcott@dhs.gov
Tel: 626-431-3178