Biden: US government to give $770 to each resident affected by LA wildfires
President Joe Biden announced Monday that federal aid is flowing to Los Angeles as California battles its worst wildfires in state history, with containment levels varying from 14% in Pacific Palisades to 100% in Ventura.
Biden and senior officials met Monday night to discuss the ongoing federal response to the Los Angeles County wildfires as Biden’s White House tenure draws to a close.
Biden has vowed the federal government will cover 100% of the disaster response costs for the next six months connected to the fires, which have claimed at least 24 lives.
“We are not waiting until the fires are over to help victims. We are helping them all right now. People impacted by these fires are going to receive a one-time payment of $770,” Biden said. “So they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, prescriptions.”
The president said those affected can go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
The federal government will cover all firefighting costs for the next 180 days. Nearly $5.1 million in immediate aid has been distributed, with affected residents eligible for one-time payments of $770. FEMA reports about 33,000 people have registered for assistance.
“It’s going to cost tens of billions of dollars to get Los Angeles to what it was,” Biden said during a briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris and emergency officials. “We are going to need Congress to step up with the funding.”
Officials will also work to determine what is left for the federal government to address on the fires before Biden leaves office next week. The briefing determined how the White House and administration officials can better assist state and local officials in California.
The meeting included Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, who said in various media interviews that she did not feel California officials were unprepared to deal with the fires. Instead, she said 100 mph winds and dry conditions contributed to the inevitability of the damage being caused by the fires.
Criswell, in the briefing, said about 700 to 800 people are staying in eight emergency shelters, while others have found refuge with family or in hotels. She has directed her team to personally assist families struggling with documentation requirements for aid.
In terms of the federal response, the Department of Defense has provided infrared imaging technology to assist firefighters in battling the deadly fires. Additionally, at least 1,800 National Guard troops have been deployed to the region to assist with the wildfires.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore warned of critical fire conditions through Wednesday, with wind gusts expected to reach 70 mph. However, he noted that approximately 15,000 additional firefighters are available if needed.
Bob Fenton, who managed the Maui wildfire response, will coordinate federal support and debris removal efforts in Los Angeles, working with FEMA, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Officials expect weather conditions to improve by Friday, with cooling temperatures and increased humidity forecast.
“The next 48 hours are very critical,” Harris said. “This is the time everyone must remain vigilant.”