3 major fires are still burning, president says, adding he plans to appeal to Congress for help to tackle fires
US President Joe Biden said Thursday that the federal government will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days for the response to the California wildfires.
"Due to the magnitude of the disaster, I was talking with the governor. He requested if I could increase the federal funding that was authorized under this legislation from 75% to 90%.
"Today, I'm announcing that the federal government will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days," Biden said.
He added that it is going to pay for things like debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, first responders, salaries and all necessary measures to protect life and property.
Biden's remarks came as he convened a meeting of senior White House and administration officials for a briefing on the full federal response he has directed for the wildfires across Los Angeles.
"I told the governor and local officials spare no expense to do what they need to do to contain these fires," the president said.
Stressing that the devastation in California is "catastrophic," Biden added that these are "the worst fires ever" to hit Los Angeles.
He said three major fires are still burning.
- Biden to appeal to Congress for help to tackle fires
The president said he is also surging all federal resources possible to Southern California, including over 400 federal firefighters, more than 30 firefighting helicopters and planes and eight Department of Defense C-130s.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized 500 wildfire ground clearing personnel from the defense department, he added.
"I directed the department to continue working with (California) Governor (Gavin) Newsom to identify additional resources that can be provided for public safety and security.
"We've secured additional firefighters and firefighting aircraft from our ally in Canada as well," he said.
Biden said 360,000 people have been evacuated so far.
The president said he will appeal to Congress for help to tackle the fires.
"I hope they're ready to step up," he added.
