News and Media: Disaster 4407

OAKLAND, Calif. ― As we recognize the second anniversary of the Camp Fire on Nov. 8, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains committed to Butte County’s recovery.

Two years ago, the Camp Fire – California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in history – swept through 153,336 acres over 16 days. It destroyed 18,804 structures, prompted the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents and took the lives of 85 individuals.

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved nearly $14 million to reimburse the State of California for damage to the Paradise Unified School District caused by the 2018 Camp Fire.

Funds will cover the repair and restoration of damaged or destroyed facilities at Paradise Elementary School, Ponderosa Elementary School, Paradise Intermediate School, Paradise High School, Ridgeview High School, Pine Ridge Elementary School, Pearson Center, Honey Run Academy, and the Equipment Maintenance Transportation Facility.

Oakland, Calif. – Due to the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on Butte County survivors recovering from the Camp Fire, FEMA will delay rent collection for three more months for residents living in temporary housing units from July-September.

After the 2018 Camp Fire, FEMA provided temporary housing, utilities, and maintenance at no charge to 684 displaced Butte County families for 18 months after the date of the disaster declaration. Before the program ended on May 12, 2020, FEMA approved a 12-month extension through May 12, 2021.

Update May 29, 2020: To continue to ease the financial burden on survivors created by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, FEMA will continue the temporary suspension on rent for disaster survivors in California, Florida and Texas who are living in FEMA temporary housing. The information below is updated to reflect the new dates. FEMA will mail a letter to all affected occupants to inform them of the continued rent suspension.

FEMA is issuing a temporary suspension on rent for disaster survivors living in FEMA housing in the following states:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – FEMA has announced a 12-month extension of the temporary housing program in Butte County through May 12, 2021 for Camp Fire survivors – the initial 18-month program was set to conclude May 12, 2020.

Since the 2018 Camp Fire, FEMA has provided temporary housing for 684 displaced Butte County families. In partnership with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and local partners, nearly 300 families have found a permanent housing solution.