NAPA COUNTY (KRON/BCN) — Federal funds are set to come California’s way as firefighters battle the 6,900 acre fire in the Lake Berryessa area, state officials said Thursday.
The state Office of Emergency Services requested the funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The disaster relief fund will make Napa, Yolo, and Solano counties eligible for up to 75 percent reimbursement of their firefighting expenses.
The money can go toward paying for firefighting costs including field camps, equipment use and replacement, supplies, and mobilization activities.
The fire started Wednesday afternoon in the area of 7700 state Highway 128 at Wragg Canyon Road. It was initially reported that a car crash started the fire, but Cal Fire has since said the cause is under
investigation.
The fire has threatened 200 structures and led to mandatory evacuations, Cal Fire officials said. The Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at the Winters Community Center at 201 Railroad Ave in Winters.
Canyon Creek and Lake Solano campgrounds have been evacuated, and Highway 128 and Wragg Canyon Road are closed to through traffic.
Flames destroyed an outbuilding and a tent trailer and damaged another structure. The fire was 5 percent contained Thursday afternoon.
The disaster relief fund provides financial aid for Federal Fire Management Grants (FMAGs) through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters.
The California Department of Insurance said Thursday that the estimated 500 people who have been evacuated may be eligible for reimbursement of additional living expenses, including housing and food, through their homeowner policies.
Residents who need assistance with their insurance can contact the Department of Insurance’s consumer services at (800) 927-4357 (HELP).