On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that federal aid is being sent to Los Angeles as California deals with its worst wildfires ever. The fires have different levels of containment, with some areas like Pacific Palisades only 14% contained and others like Ventura fully contained.
Biden held a meeting with senior officials to discuss how the federal government is responding to the wildfires. He promised that the government will cover all disaster response costs for the next six months. These wildfires have resulted in at least 24 deaths.
“We are helping victims right away, not waiting for the fires to end. People affected by the fires will receive a one-time payment of $770,” Biden said. This money can help them buy essentials like water, baby formula, and medications. Affected residents can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
The federal government will pay for all firefighting efforts for the next 180 days. So far, nearly $5.1 million in immediate aid has been provided, and about 33,000 people have signed up for assistance.
“Getting Los Angeles back to normal will cost tens of billions of dollars,” Biden said during a briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris and emergency officials. He emphasized the need for Congress to provide more funding.
The meeting also focused on what the federal government can do before Biden leaves office next week. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that California officials were not unprepared for the fires, but extreme wind and dry conditions made the damage unavoidable.
Criswell mentioned that about 700 to 800 people are staying in emergency shelters, while others have found shelter with family or in hotels. She is working to help families with the paperwork needed for aid.
In addition, the Department of Defense is using infrared technology to help firefighters, and around 1,800 National Guard troops have been sent to assist in fighting the fires.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore warned that dangerous fire conditions will continue through Wednesday, with wind gusts expected to reach 70 mph. However, he noted that about 15,000 more firefighters are available if needed.
Bob Fenton, who helped manage the response to the Maui wildfires, will coordinate federal support and debris removal efforts in Los Angeles, working with FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Officials expect the weather to improve by Friday, with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. “The next 48 hours are very important,” Harris said, urging everyone to stay alert.
