Detwiler Fire burning in Mariposa County
Credit: Harve Dearing of Mariposa County Fire

July 18, 2017 - California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Director Mark Ghilarducci yesterday 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 Detwiller Fire burning in Mariposa County. The FMAG also enables local, state and tribal agencies to recover eligible costs.

Thus far, the fire has burned approximately 11,000 acres, threatening structures near the areas of Hornitos, Bear Valley and Bagby. Cal OES is working with CAL FIRE and Mariposa County to mobilize multiple fire strike teams and firefighters as well as fire engines, dozers, water tenders and fire retardant drops from aircraft. In addition to firefighting resources, shelter operations staff and emergency communications capabilities are also being mobilized.

Statewide, about 200 local government and Cal OES fire engines and tenders have been mobilized to assist with 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 an 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
Source: Cal OES