President Biden Pledges 6 Months of Federal Support for Wildfire Costs

Following the devastating wildfires in California, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will cover the expenses for protective measures for both lives and property in Southern California for six months. Biden also mentioned allocating substantial federal resources, including firefighters, aircraft, and military personnel, to help fight the fires and protect the affected communities. In a post on X, he stated, 'I'm announcing that the federal government will cover 100% of the cost of measures to protect lives and property in Southern California for six months. I've instructed the Governor and officials to spare no expense and take necessary actions to contain the fires and safeguard families.'

In another announcement, Biden mentioned, 'I am sending all possible federal resources to Southern California, including hundreds of federal firefighters, 30 firefighting helicopters and planes, 8 DoD C-130s, and 500 military personnel for ground-clearing. We are working with @DeptofDefense to identify any additional support we can offer.'

In the Los Angeles metropolitan area, uncontrollable wildfires have resulted in at least six fatalities and forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate. NBC News reports that the exact number of deaths is still uncertain. The Palisades Fire has consumed over 17,234 acres, destroyed 1,000 buildings, and remains completely uncontained, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.

California Governor Newsom mentioned that the Palisades Fire is currently 6% contained. In a post on X, he expressed gratitude to the firefighters combating the blaze, which is driven by hurricane-force winds, and urged residents to adhere to emergency directives.

He also stated that 900 additional firefighters are being deployed to combat the Kenneth Fire. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump criticized Governor Gavin Newsom, referring to him as 'Governor Gavin Newscum' in a statement. Trump accused the governor of 'incompetence' and urged him to address water management issues to handle the ongoing crisis.

In his statement, Trump said, 'Governor Gavin Newscum should immediately go to Northern California and open the water main, allowing water to flow into his dry, starving, burning state, instead of letting it go into the Pacific Ocean.' 'This should be done right now, no more excuses from this incompetent governor. It's already far too late,' the statement added.