LOS ANGELES – President Joe Biden met with officials in the Oval Office Friday to discuss the devastation caused by wildfires raging across Los Angeles, which have killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings.
The fires have also caused an estimated $57 billion in damages, according to officials.
“The scope, the scale, and the erratic movement of these fires is truly unprecedented,” Biden said.
In response, Biden announced that for the next six months, the federal government would cover 100% of the disaster response costs associated with the wildfires, including debris removal, temporary shelters, and overtime pay for first responders.
“We have to let people know that there are things that are going to be coming that we’ve declared a disaster relief that are going to be available,” Biden added.
Biden also confirmed that the Critical Needs Assistance Program has also been activated, providing a one-time $750 payment to those impacted, helping them buy essentials like food, water, gas, and medication.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre thanked first responders and firefighters for their ongoing efforts as nearly 400,000 people remain under evacuation orders or warnings due to the relentless winds.
“This is not about politics, this is about people, about humanity,” Jean-Pierre said. “People who have literally lost everything — homes, schools, businesses, entire communities burnt to the ground.”