Biden Announces 100% Federal Funding for 180 Days to Aid Southern California Wildfire Recovery

Jan 10, 2025, 12:11 AM

President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will cover 100% of the disaster response costs for the Los Angeles wildfires in Southern California for the next six months, or 180 days. This decision increases the federal assistance from the typical 75% to 90% coverage, following a request from California Governor Gavin Newsom to raise it to 90%. The funds will be used for measures such as debris and hazardous material removal, setting up temporary shelters, paying first responders' salaries, and all necessary actions to protect life and property. Biden emphasized that the federal government would spare no expense in supporting the recovery efforts, urging local officials to do what they need to contain the fires. The announcement was made in the context of ongoing wildfires that have devastated the region, with Biden expressing solidarity with affected residents and praising the efforts of firefighters and first responders.