Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in combating the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The grant aims to ensure essential resources are available for fire suppression efforts.

"This is a dangerous fire that’s spreading quickly and threatening lives. State resources have been mobilized to protect communities, and this federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration will give state and local firefighters the resources they need to save lives and property as they continue battling this aggressive fire," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Mountain Fire, fueled by Red Flag wind conditions, ignited near Camarillo in Ventura County and has already consumed over 8,800 acres. The blaze has forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate and poses a threat to 3,500 homes, structures, and businesses.

Under Governor Newsom's direction since Sunday, the California Office of Emergency Services prepositioned firefighting equipment across 19 counties in anticipation of hazardous fire weather conditions. This includes 48 pieces of firefighting equipment, nine helicopters, and over 100 personnel.

“It’s important for people living in these areas to stay informed, listen to local authorities and be ready to evacuate when told to go,” Newsom emphasized.

California has previously secured nine FMAGs this year for various fires including Airport, Bridge, Boyles, Line, Borel, Park, Hawarden, French, and Thompson fires. The FMAG provides assistance through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund on a cost-share basis. It allows local, state, and tribal agencies responding to fires to apply for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of their eligible fire suppression costs. The program is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) offering rapid financial support to affected communities.