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FEMA to cover 100-percent of costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures for LNU Lightning Complex
This is an increase from the usual 75 percent of cost-share by the federal government for declared disasters, Thompson’s office reported.
Thompson had previously requested additional federal assistance for these fires, which started on Aug. 14 and burned 363,220 acres in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
The LNU Lightning Complex killed three people in Napa County and two in Solano County, injured several civilians and firefighters, and destroyed nearly 1,500 structures – including nine in Lake County – and damaged more than 230 others.
“This fire season has caused an immense strain on us all, whether you were evacuated, lost your home, work in public safety, or are part of the local, state and federal team working to rebuild. That’s why I wrote to the FEMA asking the agency to lessen the financial burden on our state and local governments,” said Thompson.
In his Wednesday announcement, Thompson noted, “I am thrilled to see that FEMA will cover 100 percent of the cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures. This much-needed relief will help our communities already struggling due to the pandemic have the resources they need to recover and rebuild from the LNU Lightning Complex fires. Know that I will continue working to bring back every federal dollar and resource to help with our recovery process.”
Click here to read a copy of the notice from FEMA regarding approval for 100 percent cost share for Category A debris removal and Category B emergency protective measures.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.