WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today requested federal disaster relief for San Bernardino County to combat the devastation associated with the region’s wild fires. Baca noted in his letter to the President that the fire has caused massive damage to the region and that the area must be declared a federal disaster. 

If the President declares San Bernardino a federal disaster area, the State would receive funds to help pay for property losses. Additionally, individual home owners would be able to get assistance for temporary housing, grants for repairs, permanent housing construction and even small business administration disaster loans. 

“This is a horrible time for the Inland Empire,” Baca said. “As of right now, we don’t know the economic devastation that this fire has caused but we speculate that it will be massive.” 

“Homes are being destroyed, businesses are being lost, and goods movement through our corridors is being deterred,” Baca said. “The President needs to recognize that the way of life for Inland Empire residents is being significantly harmed. This region must be declared a federal disaster.” 

“I support Governor Gray Davis’ request to the President for relief,” Baca said. “I hope the President supports it as well. The people of the Inland Empire need his help.” 

Baca also plans on discussing federal fire management and assistance, the bark-beetle infestation, and forest management at a hearing later this week in the House Agriculture Committee.  Representatives Jerry Lewis (R-CA) and Baca have fought for federal assistance to end the bark beetle infestation that has killed entire portions of the San Bernardino forests and was a contributing factor to this fire.