Governor Gavin Newsom has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support the recovery efforts in Kern, Butte, and Tehama counties following the Park and Borel fires. These wildfires ignited on July 24, 2024, during an extreme heat event in California. The Park Fire burned 429,603 acres and destroyed 709 structures, making it the fourth largest wildfire in California history. The Borel Fire burned 59,288 acres and destroyed 223 structures, including the town of Havilah.
The request for a Major Disaster Declaration includes FEMA Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs. It also seeks U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loans for residents and businesses affected in Butte, Tehama, and Kern counties.
“Many Californians are still feeling the impacts of the devastating Park and Borel fires, and this additional federal assistance would help further their ongoing recovery efforts. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their consideration and continued partnership and support for our state,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward added, “These communities impacted by the Park and Borel fires have been hit particularly hard. Butte County has seen multiple disasters including the 2018 Camp Fire which became the deadliest and most destructive fire in our state’s history.”
California had previously secured federal Fire Management Assistance Grants to support responses to both fires. Governor Newsom visited both fire incident command posts in July where he was briefed by federal, state, and local officials. He proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte and Tehama counties due to the Park Fire and in Kern County to support response efforts to the Borel Fire.
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