Wildfires

November 21, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is closely monitoring offshore Santa Ana winds in Southern California. According to the National Weather Service, strong offshore winds, low humidity and dry fuels could enhance the risk of a wildfire.

FEMA will continue to coordinate with federal partners, tribal, state and local governments and voluntary agencies. FEMA stands ready to support if needed.

Coordination includes:    » read more »

Seeks to determine if red tape slowed response to Southern California wildfires

November 20, 2007 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today sent letters to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and California Department of Forestry and Fire Ruben Grijalva, asking them for a full accounting of the deployment of military aircraft to fight the recent wildfires that devastated Southern California.    » read more »

November 20, 2007 -- Carson City – Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the governors of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming to outline and formulate a cooperative plan to ensure the continued coordinated support efforts for wildland fire fuels management and rehabilitation efforts between all four states.    » read more »

November 19, 2007 -- MONTGOMERY – Several land management agencies have joined together to remind outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when enjoying the outdoors this fall. Officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Alabama Forestry Commission, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are stressing that exceptional drought conditions in the majority of the state make it very conducive for the threat of wildfires.    » read more »

Bills introduced in wake of devastating Southern California wildfires

November 16, 2007 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced a series of bills to encourage state and local governments to improve fire-prevention efforts in areas prone to wildfires, to increase federal recovery aid to victims of major disasters, and to require states to create data bases to keep track of criminal arsonists.    » read more »

PASADENA, Calif. -- Californians who suffered damages and losses as a result of the wildfires, and still have disaster-related unmet needs, may find help through long-term recovery committees.

Under the guidance of the Southern California Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, long-term recovery committees are being formed in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. These committees provide services, based on need, through their voluntary member organizations to help affected families access the resources needed for their recovery.    » read more »

Funding approved in wake of deadly Southern California wildfires

November 8, 2007 -- Washington, DC – The Senate and House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly today to approve $500 million sought by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Representative Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) for emergency fire suppression, risk reduction and recovery needs required because of this year’s catastrophic fire season.    » read more »

(Nov. 8, 7:50 a.m.) Firefighters continue to battle the August Fire, which is now estimated at 630 acres and 85 percent contained.

Firefighters continue to make progress, but mop-up is taking longer than expected due to the amount of fuels in the perimeter of the fire and to reinforce contingency lines. Full containment is expected on Thursday, November 9.    » read more »

November 7, 2007, PASADENA, Calif. -- Damage inspectors are busy contacting California residents who have reported wildfire property damages. Inspections are conducted by contractors working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to document property damages.

When the inspection takes place, the homeowner or renter must be on hand and show proof of occupancy such as a mortgage payment, utility bill or valid driver's license. If the owner or renter cannot be present at the time of the inspection, they can arrange for someone to represent them.    » read more »

November 7, 2007 -- COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – In a presentation Tuesday in Colorado Springs, Colo., California's state fire marshal described the response to the recent Southern California wildfires as unequalled in her experience and credited U.S. Northern Command with being the "enabler" of the firefighting operation.

Chief Kate Dargan, who has been with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection more than 30 years, spoke to military and government participants of the Defense Support of Civil Authorities Executive Seminar.    » read more »

Nationwide Media Campaign to Visit California Launched

11/07/2007 -- Reminding tourists that Southern California remains a beautiful, exciting and safe place to visit, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today toured popular tourist destinations still open for business after the recent wildfires.    » read more »

November 5, 2007 -- PASSADENA, Calif. -- Those who lost their jobs or can't work because of the Southern California wildfires may be eligible to receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from the California State Employment Development Department.

The benefits, which also extend to those who are self-employed, are funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a 26-week program administered by the state of California.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for DUA, you must meet all the following criteria:    » read more »

Funding sought in wake of deadly Southern California wildfires

November 6, 2007 -- Washington, DC – A House and Senate Conference Committee today approved $500 million secured by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Representative Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) for emergency fire suppression, risk reduction and recovery needs required because of this year’s catastrophic fire season.    » read more »

11/06/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after a House and Senate Conference Committee today approved $500 million proposed by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Representative Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) for emergency fire suppression, risk reduction and recovery needs relating to the disastrous wildfires in Southern California:    » read more »

11/06/2007

Review 2003 Fire Recommendations

With the devastating southern California fires under control, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today called on the Blue Ribbon Task Force to assess the next steps to take at federal, state and local levels of government to prevent and fight future fires. Additionally, the Governor asked the task force to review the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Fire Commission’s recommendations, generated after the 2003 fires, to evaluate if the recommendations are still the best and most effective ways in preventing and fighting fires.    » read more »