US President Barack Obama declared a major
disaster Tuesday in a Northern California wildfire that has destroyed at least
1 200 homes and killed at least three people.
The declaration issued for the fire that broke out in Lake
County 145km north of San Francisco releases federal money for recovery and
cleanup, including grant money for temporary housing and home repairs.
The devastating wildfire that started September 12 ranks
among California's most destructive and stands at 79% contained with 306km2
scorched. Thousands of people fled their homes at the peak of the fire, and two
men remain missing, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday.
Sheriff Brian Martin said at a news conference on Tuesday
that his office had received reports of 15 people missing
since the fire
started. All have been accounted for except the two men. "We are hopeful
these people are located and returned and reunited with their loved ones,"
he said.
The fire has claimed the lives of three people.
Several areas remained under an evacuation order more than a
week after the fire's start as crews continue to clear debris and trees and
restore damaged power lines.
California Governor Jerry Brown requested disaster
declarations for the fire in Lake County as well as another destructive
wildfire in Calaveras and Amador counties, about 200km east of San Francisco.
Federal officials are still working on the request for the other fire, said
Kelly Huston, deputy director for the governor's Office of Emergency Services.
That blaze had consumed 285km2 and was 82%
contained Tuesday evening.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Obama declares California fire a major disaster
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