SAN CARLOS, Ariz. — Federal disaster assistance has been approved for the San Carlos Apache Tribe following damage caused by the Watch Fire back in July.
On Saturday, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the area affected by the fire.
The fire burned from July 10-17, and forced the evacuations of more than 400 people, with officials declaring a state of emergency.
At least 21 homes were destroyed in the fire that burned 2,162 acres.
FEMA assistance allows for the following:
- Grants for temporary housing
- Home repairs
- Low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses
- Other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the fire
Benigno Bern Ruiz has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the area.
Back in July, Keanu Dude was arrested for allegedly being involved in starting the wildfire.
Get to know 12News
At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
12News is built on a legacy of trust. We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire.