Congressman Huffman Releases 2021 Wildfire Guide, Highlights Programs to Support Fire Preparedness and Response

August 26, 2021

San Rafael, CA – Today, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) highlighted three separate initiatives to assist Californians as record-setting wildfires burn across his district and the community braces for the remainder of fire season. Rep. Huffman today released his 2021 Wildfire Resource Guide to help those affected by the recent wildfires access resources available to aid in recovery. The Guide includes information on how to prepare for evacuation, where to find local resources, how to replace lost or destroyed federal documents, and more. Huffman also shared the news that Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) have been awarded to California’s Second District, which will aid in fire preparedness and response efforts.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE 2021 WILDFIRE RESOURCE GUIDE

“After a year of compounding crises, we are on the cusp of another disastrous fire season fueled by climate change and record-breaking drought. As we grapple with the impacts of these fires, I want to make sure everyone in our community has the information needed to prepare, evacuate safely if necessary, and access local and federal resources” said Rep. Huffman. “That's why I have released this resource guide and am happy to announce these grants that will help our community navigate ongoing fires, quickly recover, and prepare for future threats. My staff and I are here and ready to help with any federal needs related to wildfires, both now and for the long haul.”

Rep. Huffman shared the news that Trinity County was approved for a Fire Management Assistance Grant in response to the Monument Fire. More information on that program can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

Huffman also shared that multiple communities in California’s Second District have received a total of $84,035 through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This funding will be used to provide firefighters with improved National Fire Protection Association compliant tools and equipment as well as new state of the art training programs. For more information on the AFG program, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/assistance-grants.

The Assistance to Firefighter Grants have been awarded as follows:

  • Central Marin Fire Authority: $72,236
  • North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District: $2,448
  • County of Sonoma: $6,357
  • Arcata Fire Protection District $2,994

On Monday, August 23, Rep. Huffman sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a major disaster declaration in response to multiple wildfires burning through his district. This would provide a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and local government, including funds for both emergency and permanent work.

The Wildfire Resource Guide will be updated if and when more resources for fire recovery become available. Constituents who need assistance or more information about these resources, should contact Huffman’s district offices for individual support.