At present, there are 12 major fires burning across the state, causing extensive damage to residences and infrastructure. As of August 22, 13,712 personnel and 1,031 engines are at work on the front lines of these wildfires.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to assist state and local wildfire response and recovery efforts in Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties.

“We are deploying every available tool we have to keep communities safe as California battles these catastrophic wildfires driven by climate change impacts,” said Newsom. “Even while the fires continue to burn, we are working to put assistance programs in place for impacted individuals to support their recovery from these devastating fires.”

This federal request is specific to the Dixie, Antelope, McFarland, Monument and River fires. A subsequent request may be made for the Caldor and other fires once fire conditions allow state, local and federal officials to safely assess the scope of damage.

If approved, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration will help people in the impacted counties through eligibility for programs and support, and public assistance for ongoing emergency response and recovery costs. The request also includes hazard mitigation, which helps state and local governments reduce the risks and impacts of future disasters.