Feds commit money to fight Kern County wild fires

OAKLAND
July 29, 2010 12:01am

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California fight the "West Fire" in Kern County. The fire is near Tehachapi and hundreds of firefighters are battling the flames in rugged mountain territory.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

Following a request from the state of California, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) within hours, it says.

"FEMA is here to make sure that California has the resources needed to fight this fire, and that the federal government will remain with the state every step of the way," says FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.

On Tuesday, FEMA approved another FMAG for Kern County for the “Bull Fire,” which is near Lake Isabella.

Eligible firefighting costs, covered by the grant, must meet a minimum threshold for costs before delivery of assistance. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.