WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) — President Barack Obama made federal funding available for wildfire relief after declaring a major disaster in California’s Lake County.
The so-called Valley Fire — one of the largest wildfires in the state — has burned more than 76,000 acres. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, said the blaze was 69 percent contained.
It has killed at least three people, injured four firefighters and destroyed 1,050 structures.
The president ordered federal aid to supplement state, local and tribal efforts. The help provided will include grants for temporary housing and home repairs for individuals displaced by the fire. Low-cost loans will also be available to cover uninsured property losses. Additional unspecified programs will also help the recovery effort.
Federal funding was also slotted for “hazard mitigation measures” across California.
Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, W. Craig Fugate, appointed Timothy J. Scranton as the federal coordinating officer handling the recovery operations in the affected areas. If requested by the state, additional personnel will be assigned to the task.
The declaration was a response to a request made by California Gov. Jerry Brown, who said four years of drought conditions have exacerbated California’s wildfire problem.
Meanwhile, Lake County police were looking for two men — Robert Litchman, 61 and Taylor Fletcher, 66 — who disappeared during the fire after their homes were burned.
Cal Fire said the Butte Fire, affecting Amador and Calaveras counties, was 82 percent contained after burning 70,868 acres. Additionally, the Tassajara Fire in Monterey County was 75 percent contained after burning 1,086 acres. Finally, the smaller McCourtney Fire affecting Nevada County was completely contained after burning 30 acres.
