LaMalfa Announced Federal Assistance for Combating Bear, Slater Fires

(Oroville, CA) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa issued the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) to assist the state of California in combatting the Bear Fire, currently burning in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties, and the Slater Fire, currently burning in Siskiyou County. FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs, including expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities.

LaMalfa said: "The Bear Fire made an explosive run on Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, threatening the homes of 20,000 people. Similarly, the Slater Fire is fast moving and is threatening 500 homes in Happy Camp. Our firefighting supplies and personnel are stretched thin responding to these fires and many others that are burning across our state. I'm grateful for FEMA's timely response to the state's request for help. California needs assistance now more than ever as wildfire threatens the lives of people and property statewide."

As of September 9^th, the Bear Fire is 60,000 acres and 0% contained. The Bear Fire is part of the North Complex, a group of lightning fires that started over three weeks ago in Plumas National Forest. High winds and low humidity in Northern California caused the Bear Fire's overnight growth. It currently is threatening the areas of Oroville, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Harts Mill, Kelly Ridge, Yankee Hill, Cherokee, Berry Creek, and Robinson Mill.

The Slater Fire is 25,000 acres and 0% contained. It currently threatens the areas of Happy Camp and Elk Creek. High winds and low humidity in Northern California contributed to the Slater Fire's rapid growth.

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