Bush offers federal assistance

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Washington, D.C.:

President Bush called Gov. Schwarzenegger shortly before 4 p.m. today to make sure the governor was getting the assistance he needed from the federal government, according to Scott M. Stanzel, a deputy White House press secretary. The president told the governor to call him if there were additional needs.

FEMA has provided fire management assistance grants for four major fires in Southern California. These grants provide 75% cost share (25% local) for expenses like field camps, equipment repair and replacement, mobilization activities, etc. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has deployed fire crews, fire engines, air tankers and helicopters to the incident areas.

Schwarzenegger called Bush back after their initial call to ask for military assistance. The Department of Defense has been in contact with Schwarzenegger’s office, and the military has already provided the following assets:

-- Firefighting personnel from the area Air Force and naval posts, including fire engines and support vehicles.

-- Three National Guard helicopters, with another standing by.

-- Approximately 1,700 California National Guardsmen called up to assist in the efforts, and an additional 17,000 California National Guard soldiers and airmen are available.

The administration will continue to work with the governor’s office to provide assistance in fighting the fires, Stanzel said.

-- James Gerstenzang