Biden declares a Serious Catastrophe for California and sends federal support to assist in containing the flames and caring for those affected
According to a statement published by the White House, the Biden-Harris Administration has been in constant communication with the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, their teams, officials from the affected counties and other officials. local since the day the fires started. Additionally, the National Interagency Fire Center is in constant contact with Cal Fire and is prepared to deploy any additional resources necessary, including firefighting personnel and equipment.
Additionally, President Biden has approved the “major disaster” declaration for California, “allowing affected communities and survivors to immediately access funds and resources to jump-start their recovery. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) last night approved fire management aid to reimburse California for firefighting expenses,” the text says. On Friday, FEMA Director Deanne Criswell will travel to the area to take stock of the damage and the needs of the affected community.
As the situation continues to evolve, the focus is on the mobilization of resources, equipment and material. According to what the White House said, the federal government has made available five high-capacity Forest Service air tankers operating in Southern California and 10 federal firefighting helicopters. Additionally, the Forest Service has prepositioned dozens of fire trucks that are ready to be deployed as needed.
Additionally, Biden has ordered the Department of Defense to quickly provide additional firefighting personnel and means. The federal government is working closely with the National Guard, deployed under Governor Newsom’s state of emergency declaration. The California National Guard is adding two Modular Aerial Fire Fighting System units, and the Nevada National Guard is preparing two more. The Department of Defense’s Northern Command is preparing four more. Additionally, the Department is sending 10 Navy helicopters with supply buckets to assist with aerial suppression.
