Biden declares natural disaster in California as fires continue

The area and number of fires continue to grow due to dry and windy weather exacerbated by climate change. In the photo: fires in Los Angeles.

U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a state of natural disaster in the state of California due to the large-scale fires, according to a statement issued by the White House on January 8.

According to the statement, Biden also ordered the state to provide “federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in areas affected by wildfires and wind gusts” that began on January 7.

“The President’s decision makes federal funding available to those affected in Los Angeles County. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover losses of uninsured property, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” the statement said.

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Federal assistance will also be available to local authorities and selected non-profit organizations for emergency work in Los Angeles County.

In other areas, the White House adds, damage assessments are ongoing, and additional forms of assistance may be available.

On January 9, UA President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the fires in California:

“Terrible footage of the destruction caused by the wildfires in California. We wish safety to all affected communities and residents, as well as success to firefighters and first responders who are bravely fighting the deadly flames.”

President Biden has previously expressed support for the first responders battling the fires in Southern California.

“More than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities affected by wildfires in southern California. At least two people have been killed. Many more have been injured, including firefighters,” he said.

According to the latest reports, at least five people have been killed in the fires on the outskirts of Los Angeles, and evacuation orders have been issued for about 130,000 people.

The area and number of fires continue to grow due to dry and windy weather, exacerbated by climate change. On the evening of January 8, a fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the complexity of the situation. “We were prepared for one or two large fires, but not four at once,” he said. Reservists and firefighters from neighboring counties have been called in to help. Strong winds are making it difficult to extinguish the fires.
In Southern California, where Los Angeles is located, only 2.5 millimeters of precipitation has fallen since May.