SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Bear Fire burning in Butte, Plumas and Yuba counties.

On Sept. 9, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Bear Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,000 homes in and around Oroville, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Clipper Mills, LaPorte, Little Grass Valley, Cascade, Strawberry Valley and Rackerby. The fire also threatened the Oroville Dam and associated power lines, multiple fire stations and schools, radio and emergency communications towers, and the Plumas National Forest.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 9, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

Apply for critical and immediate needs

A Major Disaster Declaration for the wildfires in California was approved.

Individuals who have immediate or critical needs due to being displaced from their homes as a result of the wildfires may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance.

Apply with FEMA one of three ways: online at www.disasterassistance.gov; by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Applicants with questions about their FEMA registrations should call the FEMA Helpline. between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m PST. 

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).