California set to receive federal funding for a handful of wildfires across the state

SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — In a decision reversal, the Trump administration now says it will provide disaster relief funding for six California wildfires, including the Slater Fire burning in Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties.

Originally, FEMA denied the request saying the fires didn’t meet certain requirements.  The president then, weighed in and over-turned the decision after talking on the phone with California Governor, Gavin Newsom.

“I do know that there have been a lot of people working on this all day today. I’m so happy I can’t stand it,” Siskiyou County 5^th District Supervisor Ray Haupt says.

Happy Camp is an area that has been hit especially hard by the Slater Fire. Of the 750 people that live there, 525 people have been displaced.

“I’m greatly relieved both for the county, but also mainly for the people in Happy Camp. Now, all of the aid that is allowable will become available. It’s not going to cure everything, but boy it sure makes it a lot easier moving forward,” Haupt adds.

The Oak Fire was also one of the 6 fires included, which burned near Willits in Mendocino County. In a statement Friday, Governor Newsom said he was grateful for the president’s quick response.