CABAZON, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Wednesday to allow the families of five Forest Service firefighters killed in an arson blaze to receive more than $1 million in donations that had been held up by tax rules.
The governor’s signature will let the United Way in Hemet distribute nearly $1.4 million that it had raised for the families without losing its state tax-exempt status.
Tax rules normally prevent tax-exempt charitable organizations from raising money to benefit individuals.
The firefighters were overrun by flames on Oct. 26 while protecting homes in Twin Pines, about 90 miles east of Los Angeles.
The blaze destroyed 34 homes and caused $10 million in damage before it was contained. An auto mechanic was arrested in the case and has pleaded not guilty to arson and murder.
“These firefighters showed us the value of sacrifice and courage by bravely standing between us and the most extraordinary of dangers,” Schwarzenegger said.
United Way officials said the organization could begin distributing the money to families within two weeks, after getting formal approval from the Internal Revenue Service.