President Joe Biden has declared that the federal government will pay 100% of the costs for disaster relief efforts in Los Angeles over the next six months to address the devastating wildfires.
During a White House briefing, Biden announced the funding will cover critical expenses such as debris removal, temporary shelters, and compensation for first responders.
“We’re surging all available federal resources to Southern California,” Biden said, noting the deployment of 400 federal firefighters, 30 firefighting planes, and additional assets. “I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense,” he added, describing the damage as “catastrophic.”
The new funding commitment represents an increase from the previous 75% federal coverage, exceeding even the 90% requested by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Historic Damage and Evacuations
The ongoing wildfires are expected to become one of California’s most expensive disasters. Three major blazes continue to burn, forcing 179,000 people to evacuate their homes. Officials report that over 1,300 structures have been destroyed, with 60,000 more at risk.
The Palisades Fire, which has consumed vast areas along the coast, is the largest, followed by a separate blaze in Pasadena. The fires have claimed at least five lives, destroyed homes, and devastated wildlife and vegetation across Southern California.
Federal Support and Rebuilding Efforts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is actively providing aid, including immediate supplies like baby food for displaced residents. Biden assured Californians that federal support would continue through the recovery and rebuilding process.
“We are with you,” he said. “We’re not going anywhere. To the firefighters and first responders, you are heroes.”
The president urged Congress to pass supplemental funding for long-term rebuilding efforts. “I’m making an appeal to the United States Congress to step up,” he said.
Mental Health Concerns and Local Impact
Top administration officials expressed concerns about the long-term mental health toll on affected residents. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose Southern California neighborhood was among those evacuated, described the destruction as “apocalyptic.”
“No one was at her home during the evacuation,” Harris’ press secretary confirmed. “We are literally waiting to see which way the wind blows,” Harris said.
A Call for Continued Support
When asked whether the next administration would continue supporting California’s recovery, Biden responded, “I pray to God they will.”
As the fires rage largely uncontained, the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to aiding Southern California during one of its darkest moments.
