California’s partnership with federal government boosts state’s rapid response to Los Angeles fires

LOS ANGELES – Following President Biden’s afternoon briefing regarding the unprecedented Los Angeles fires, Governor Gavin Newsom today thanked the Biden-Harris Administration for its swift support for the state that is boosting response efforts and protecting thousands of Californians. The Governor met today with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell while on the ground in Los Angeles.

Yesterday in Santa Monica, Governor Newsom and President Biden were briefed by local and state emergency officials on the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. Shortly after the briefing, President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts related to the major wildfires. Today, at the Governor’s request for more federal assistance, the President authorized increasing federal assistance to cover 100% of California’s fire management and debris removal costs for 180 days, up from the traditional 75%.

This declaration makes available federal funding to help state, tribal and local governments cover emergency response costs. It also includes Individual Assistance programs for affected citizens and businesses, which may include temporary accommodation and financial assistance for destroyed property. Californians can apply now for federal assistance at disasterassistance.gov.

“President Biden and his Administration have been incredible partners in our ongoing fight against these unprecedented wildfires. In addition to more federal funding and critical reimbursement, the President has directed firefighting resources to add to the thousands of boots already on the ground. And thanks to the President’s Major Disaster Declaration, Californians can begin applying for federal assistance to help them recover from these devastating fires.”

In addition to the Presidential Declaration, President Biden has also provided California significant fire suppression support, including eight large air tankers,19 helicopters and dozens of engines.

Earlier this week, Governor Newsom announced that California had secured Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to assist in battling the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires burning in Los Angeles County. The FMAGs, which are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund on cost-share basis, will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 100 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.