Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval on Friday declared a state of emergency associated with the Caughlin Ranch fire, which has so far reportedly destroyed 20 structures, forced 9,500 people from their homes and was blamed for the death of one man.
The declaration qualifies local governments for federal assistance. Additionally, Nevada was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), enabling the state to be eligible for up to 75 percent funding assistance for eligible costs. The request was made by the Nevada Division of Forestry on behalf of the city of Reno at the onset of the fire.
Sandoval is reportedly onsite with local officials and the state emergency operations center has been activated.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been and are being affected by this fire,” Sandoval stated on his website. “Declaring a state of emergency ensures that every resource from the local, state and federal level is available to assist. I have asked the National Guard to be on alert and state resources are supporting Reno and Washoe County officials.”
The state has in excess of $3 million available for local government and state agency grants or loan reimbursement, according to the governor’s office. The funding can be used toward the 25 percent state match to FEMA grant.
The wildfire burning out of control outside of Reno has destroyed 20 structures, forced 9,500 people from their homes and was blamed for the death of one man, Reuters news service is reporting.
The Caughlin broke out overnight and has already blackened more than 400 acres as it moves toward heavily populated areas, Michele Anderson, spokeswoman for Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, told Reuters.
Two evacuation centers have been set up for affected residents, and several people had been treated for smoke inhalation, and an elderly man died during the evacuation process, according to the Reuters report, which said the fire was burning uncontrolled.
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