Funding for Emergency Assistance
The Recovery Operations Section is responsible for overseeing critical disaster funding streams, cost recovery requirements, and debris removal operations. This section manages grant documentation in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and policies • Providing reimbursement-related technical assistance to subrecipients, coordinates with FEMA and California Department of Finance (DOF) regarding state and federal financial, programmatic, and administrative requirements, including program analysis and reporting, and collaborates with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) partners to conduct Applicants’ Briefings to ensure that all required documentation has been provided by subrecipients to support costs claimed.
This section is made up of three (3) subsections—The Recovery Public Assistance (PA) Division, Debris Management Division, and Wildfire Recovery Assistance. Our staff work directly with impacted local governments, state agencies, and private/non-profits (PNPs) to help navigate through federal and state grant processes and support local debris management operations.
Recovery Public Assistance
The Recovery Public Assistance Division provides assistance to state agencies, local governments, special districts, and eligible private non-profit organizations impacted by a disaster in order to achieve a safer future for all California communities.​ The following state and federally funded disaster assistance programs available to state agencies, local governments, special districts, and eligible private non-profit organizations are: California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), Federal Disaster Assistance (DR & EM), COVID-19 Assistance, and the ​Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). Our staff work to ensure that all state and federal support is provided to applicants in an efficient and timely manner in order to assist in recovery from a major disaster or emergency.
Recovery Debris Operations and Management
The Recovery Debris Operations and Management Division supports local government’s management of debris and tree operations. This includes supporting affected jurisdictions—before and after the disaster—in the planning and management of a debris/tree removal operation that may be necessary to eliminate immediate threats to the public, the environment, and property. Our staff provide debris training to local jurisdictions and coordinates with the Recovery Planning Unit to review and support development of local debris management plans, in addition to offering technical assistance to impacted jurisdictions in coordination with the California Department of Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). These services directly assist local jurisdictions establish locally managed debris management operations in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and support compliance with state and federal debris/tree removal reimbursement requirements, when appropriate.
Wildfire Recovery Resources
Emergencies, disasters, hazards, and threats are a part of our work at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Preparing for, responding to, and helping Californians recover from them are a part of our DNA. Cal OES is proud to work with local, state, tribal, and federal partners to help Californians get on the road to recovery after an emergency. Learn more about resources and services that may available to those affected by wildfires in California by clicking the link above. This includes housing assistance, rebuilding after a wildfire strikes, state and federal financial disaster assistance, legal assistance, disaster unemployment resources, record replacement, donations, partner toolkits, other essential services, and more.
Watershed Unit
The Watershed Mitigation, Coordination, and Outreach Unit provides statewide coordination and technical support to help reduce risks associated with post-fire watershed hazards. The Unit works with local, tribal, state, and federal partners to assess hazards, identify values at risk, and coordinate actions that protect life, property, water quality, and critical infrastructure following wildfire and severe weather events. By integrating technical assessments, field observations, and partner agency capabilities, the Watershed Unit supports informed decision-making and timely implementation of emergency protective measures before, during, and after disaster events.
Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP)
The Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Unit provides subject matter expertise to ensure disaster recovery projects comply with applicable state and federal environmental and historic preservation laws and regulations. The Unit conducts technical reviews of proposed grant-funded projects, identifies potential environmental or historic resource impacts, and recommends measures to avoid or minimize those impacts. By supporting compliance and helping resolve complex environmental issues, the EHP Unit helps ensure recovery projects move forward efficiently while protecting California’s natural and cultural resources.