It always helps to go straight to the top: Gov. Jerry Brown's letter to President Obama resulted in today's announcement that the federal government will provide financial help to California for the Rim Fire recovery.
Last month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had denied a request by Brown for assistance, saying that the severity of the damage caused by the fire did not exceed the capabilities of the state and local governments.
But Brown appealed the decision in a letter to President Obama; the major disaster declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help communities rebuild and repair.
The Rim Fire began on August 17 and was not completely contained until October 24. It was the third largest wildfire in California's history, burning 400 square miles from Groveland in the Stanislaus National Forest into the western stretches of Yosemite National Park, and threatening the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. According to the governor's office, the fire caused more than $54 million in damage.
FEMA provided disaster relief to help with recovery in Mariposa and Tuolomne counties over the summer. On Oct. 8, Brown asked for a major disaster declaration after declaring states of emergency in those counties plus San Francisco county. His request was denied on Nov. 4.