President Joe Biden has declared that the federal government will fully cover the costs of initial disaster response efforts to combat the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles for the next six months. Speaking from the White House, Biden outlined how federal funding will assist with crucial tasks such as removing debris, setting up temporary shelters, and supporting first responders on the ground.
Biden emphasized that the federal government is sending a significant surge of resources to Southern California, including 400 federal firefighters, 30 firefighting planes, and other necessary assets. “I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense,” he said, describing the damage caused by the fires as “catastrophic.”
This 100% federal funding is a notable increase from the previous 75% that Biden had allocated, and it surpasses the 90% funding that California Governor Gavin Newsom had requested. The president’s decision comes amid predictions that the fires will result in one of the most costly disasters in California’s history.
As of now, three major fires are still active, forcing 179,000 people to evacuate their homes. Biden warned that Congress may need to pass additional funding to help with rebuilding efforts, and he called on lawmakers to “step up.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been providing immediate aid to displaced individuals, such as baby food and other necessities. Biden reassured residents that the federal government would continue to support both their recovery and eventual rebuilding. “We are with you. We’re not going anywhere,” he said, praising the efforts of firefighters and first responders as “heroes.”
Beyond the immediate danger, top officials in the Biden administration expressed concern about the long-term mental health impact on the affected residents. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has had to evacuate her own neighborhood, called the destruction “apocalyptic.” Though her home was not damaged, she described the situation as being “literally waiting to see which way the wind blows.”
So far, the fires have claimed the lives of at least five people, destroyed over 1,300 structures, and threatened more than 60,000 homes, particularly in Southern California’s densely populated and high-value neighborhoods. The largest of the blazes, the Palisades fire, is still burning along the coast, while another fire in Pasadena continues to spread inland.
Biden also expressed hope that future administrations will continue to support California in the face of such disasters. When asked if he believes the next administration will provide the necessary aid, he responded, “I pray to God they will.”
