The Trump administration has approved federal reimbursement for costs related to the devastating 2024 Park Fire, which burned over 420 homes across Butte and Tehama counties
But the money falls short of the need.
That’s because this funding, which comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), covers only 75% of expenses for governments.
In Butte County’s case, that’s just over $678,000.
“This is in essence a hole in the budget that we're waiting to fill back with this reimbursement. This is not direct funding, unfortunately, to survivors.”- Angie Mannel, Butte County Emergency Manager
Angie Mannel, the county’s emergency manager, said the funds will go toward the immediate fire response.
“This is in essence a hole in the budget that we're waiting to fill back with this reimbursement,” Mannel said. “This is not direct funding, unfortunately, to survivors.”
Mannel said Park Fire recovery has been hard, partly because the fire never received a presidential disaster declaration, meaning it’s not eligible for most federal aid.
“We're doing our best with what funding is coming back in,” Mannel said,
“but it's a very slow process, especially without the federal declaration.”
Cal Fire, Chico and Tehama County will also be partially reimbursed for their response to the blaze.
That includes approximately $141 million for Cal Fire, $369,000 for Chico and $157,000 for Tehama.
