OAKLAND, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California fight the Wye Fire in Lake County.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, the fire was threatening 442 homes in and around Spring Valley. The fire started on August 12, 2012, and has burned in excess of 5,000 acres of State and private land. Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 845 people. 

"FEMA Region IX remains in constant contact with the California Emergency Management Agency to identify needs and provide ongoing support as requested," said FEMA Region IX Administrator, Nancy Ward. 

The President's Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made    available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.  Eligible firefighting costs, covered by the grant must meet a minimum threshold for costs before delivery of assistance.  Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities. 

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to,  recover from, and mitigate all hazards.