The Newspaper of Record since 1878
On October 4 President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, making federal funds available to tribal members affected by the Watch Fire of July 2024.
The fire destroyed at least 21 homes, burned more than 2,000 acres and led to the evacuation of over 200 people between July 10 and 17. Its cause was determined to be arson and a 22-year-old tribal member, Keanu Dude, was arrested and charged in connection with the case.
A White House news release stated that assistance can include temporary housing and home repair grants, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property that was lost, and other programs to assist tribal members and business owners in recovering from the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to the San Carlos Apache Tribe and certain private non-profits, on a cost-sharing basis, for emergency work and repair or replacement of fire-damaged facilities. In addition, there is funding available for Tribal hazard mitigation measures, again on a cost-sharing basis.
Benigno Ruiz of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA app. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
