OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of California to combat the Cranston Fire burning in Riverside County.
On July 25, 2018, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Cranston Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 414 homes in and around the community of Idyllwild, Mountain Center, and Pine Cove. The fire was also threatening 110 buildings, infrastructure, and utilities. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 2,400 people.
The fire started on July 25, 2018, and has burned in excess of 2,400 acres of state and private land. The fire is zero percent contained. There are nine other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state.
The FEMA Regional Administrator determined the Cranston Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. The state’s request was approved on July 25, 2018, at 6:27 PM PDT.
Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For media inquiries related to FEMA’s support to the fires, please contact (510) 627-7006.
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