Federal Aid To Reimburse Counties Fighting #WraggFire

Photo: Credit: ABC7 News from Wednesday.

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California has received federal funds to fight the Wragg Fire that has burned 6,710 acres in the Lake Berryessa area, state officials said today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency funds that were requested by the state Office of Emergency Services will make Napa, Yolo and Solano counties eligible for up to 75 percent reimbursement of their firefighting expenses. The reimbursable costs include field camps, equipment use, repairs and replacements, tools, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

• Also see: #WraggFire Spreads: 6,700 Acres Burned By Noon Thursday In Napa, Solano Counties

The fire started around 2:25 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 7700 state Highway 128 at Wragg Canyon Road. It was initially reported that a car crash started the fire, but Cal Fire has since said the cause is under investigation. The fire is in steep and rugged brush terrain with difficult access.

It has threatened 200 structures and caused mandatory evacuations, Cal Fire officials said.

A large animal evacuation center was established at 29775 County Road 31 in Winters in Yolo County, and the American Red Cross has opened an evacuation center for residents at the Winters Community Center at 201 Railroad Ave. in Winters. Canyon Creek and Lake Solano campgrounds have been evacuated, and Highway 128 and Wragg Canyon Road are closed to through traffic. An outbuilding and a tent trailer were destroyed and another structure was damaged in the fire, which was 5 percent contained this afternoon.

There were 1,300 firefighters at the scene as of this afternoon.

The California Department of Insurance said today that the estimated 500 people who have been evacuated may be eligible for reimbursement of additional living expenses, including housing and food, through their homeowner policies.

Residents who need assistance with their insurance can contact the Department of Insurance’s consumer services at (800) 927-4357 (HELP).

--Bay City News