OES will be hosting a Recovery Resource Center on Wednesday, September 9th to connect residents impacted by the Jones Fire to recovery resources.
Residents can find additional information at ReadyNevadaCounty.org/JonesFireRecovery.
The County of Nevada is working with local residents to assess damages related to the Jones Fire. The Jones Fire, which started early Monday morning on the August 17th by a lightning strike, burned 705 Acres over 12 days. In total over 4,000 residents were evacuated and ultimately 21 structures were destroyed. Thanks to the hard work of our local firefighters along with CAL FIRE and the proactive evacuations managed by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement, many more were saved and no lives were lost.
Recovery Resource Center: September 9th from 2-7pm at the Fairgrounds
As residents move forward it is important for everyone to understand what resources are available to those impacted by the Jones Fire.
Nevada County Office of Emergency Services is coordinating a Recovery Resource Center, with COVID mitigations in place, for those who lost or incurred damage to their homes, outbuildings or property on Wednesday, September 9th from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Main Street Center (Gate 1) of the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Connect with resources from:
- Nevada County Office of Emergency Services
- CalOES
- Nevada County Building Department
- Nevada County Environmental Health
- Nevada County Assessor’s Office
- Nevada County Social Services
- Nevada County Behavioral Health
- Nevada County Consolidated Fire District
- AT&T
Next Steps
Private residents are encouraged to work directly with their insurance companies on losses they may have sustained due to the Jones Fire. If you have suffered losses that are not covered by insurance or you are underinsured, please refer to the www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/JonesFireRecovery for more information on local recovery efforts and potential funding opportunities.
Government Action
Fire damages are not the only costs associated with a large-scale wildfire. Fire suppression, law enforcement, evacuation, staff time and environmental impacts are other factors that must be considered.
On August 18th the Nevada County Director of the Office of Emergency Services proclaimed a local emergency for the Jones Fire. On the same day Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency and listed Nevada County among others. Both proclamations make Nevada County eligible for limited financial assistance and reimbursement for Public costs and losses related to the Jones Fire.
CAL FIRE requested and Nevada County was awarded a Fire Management Assistance Grant which secured Federal dollars and reimbursement for fire suppression and some evacuation costs. The State also requested Federal FEMA funding for individual and public losses related to the Jones Fire. This request is still under review. Lastly, the California Office of Emergency Services Director approved California Disaster Assistance Act funding for Nevada County which will help pay a portion of Jones Fire related Fire Suppression, Law Enforcement and recovery expenses.
