President Joe Biden announced that the United States government will cover all disaster response costs for the next six months to help California tackle the devastating wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area.
This decision marks an increase from the previous 75% coverage and comes as over 179,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fires.
Speaking from the White House, the president described the damage as catastrophic and committed to deploying extensive federal resources, including 400 firefighters and 30 planes, to aid Southern California. He emphasised that federal support would cover debris removal, emergency shelters, and first responder costs.
Biden urged Congress to provide additional funding to support the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense,” he said, describing the damage as “catastrophic.”
The wildfires, described as some of the most destructive in California’s history, have killed at least ten people and destroyed more than 1,300 structures. Thousands of homes remain under threat as the blazes continue to spread in densely populated and high-value areas.
The largest fire, burning near the Pacific Palisades, has levelled properties along the coastline, while another in Pasadena is causing significant damage inland.
Vice President Kamala Harris, whose Southern California neighbourhood was evacuated, called the destruction “apocalyptic.” She joined other officials in highlighting the mental health toll the disaster is taking on residents.
Biden also shared that a family member living in the affected area had witnessed over 200 homes destroyed.
Firefighters are battling against strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, which have fuelled the rapid spread of the fires.
Federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Pentagon, are contributing personnel and equipment to contain the flames.
Biden cancelled a planned trip to Italy to focus on the wildfire response, promising Californians that the government will remain committed to both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.
