Rep. LaMalfa Thanks White House for Expanded Disaster Declaration for Butte, Plumas, Yuba Counties

OROVILLE, California, Sept. 11 -- Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-California, issued the following news release:

Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after President Trump amended the federal Major Disaster Declaration for California to include Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties, making them eligible for direct federal funding for emergency protective measures as a result of the North Complex fires. Emergency protective measures are actions taken by an area before, during, and after a disaster to eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health or safety, or significant damage to public or private property. The Major Disaster Declaration went into effect on August 22, 2020 for several other California counties.

The North Complex is a group of lightning fires that started over three weeks ago in Plumas National Forest. As a result of high winds and low humidity in the area on September 8th and 9th, the North Complex West Zone, formerly known as the Bear Fire, grew rapidly in Plumas, Butte, and Yuba Counties. As of September 10th, the North Complex is 252,163 acres and 24% contained. There have been multiple injuries with three confirmed fatalities.

LaMalfa said: "The North Complex West Zone has devastated Berry Creek and the surrounding areas, taking the lives of three people. The firefighters on the ground are doing all they can to get the fires under control, but the fire is still a great threat. I've been in contact with the White House, supporting this Major Disaster Declaration for these counties, and I thank the President for acting quickly to fulfill Governor Newsom's request for Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties to receive emergency funding. My office will also stay engaged with the Governor's office and the White House to ensure that Siskiyou County, where the Slater Fire is currently burning, is also included in the Major Disaster Designation. Please pray for our heroic first responders, the residents of these counties, and the families of those who have lost loved ones in this disaster."

The Slater Fire, burning in Siskiyou County near Happy Camp, is 127,660 acres and 0%. There has been several injured and one fatality. As of September 10th, Siskiyou County has not been included in the Major Disaster Declaration.