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Biden, additional federal funding for California wildfires

2025-01-10 08:18:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

President Joe Biden said Thursday during a White House meeting with members of his cabinet that he has mobilized federal resources and approved additional funding to help California fight the devastating wildfires, saying they were the "most severe that have hit Los Angeles.”

The new funds will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days of removing hazardous materials, temporary housing, salaries for first responders and measures to protect the lives of residents affected by the fires, he said.

"We are not going to give up on these plans," President Biden said. "We expect a temporary break in the strong winds, but in some areas, strong winds are likely to continue into next week."

As Biden gave the floor to Vice President Kamala Harris, he noted that she was "directly affected" by the aftermath of the fires. Ms. Harris has been a senator from California and her home there is in the evacuation zone, but it is not clear if it was damaged by the fires. She described the situation in Los Angeles as "apocalyptic."

"This will have an impact for many months and years to come," she said.

At least six people have died in wildfires that have engulfed a large part of Los Angeles. According to officials, the number of victims is expected to rise as search and rescue teams begin to check the ruins of the burnt houses. About 2,000 structures, including many homes, were destroyed deep in the heart of the American film industry.

Winds that reached speeds of 160 kilometers have spread the fire over a large area, reaching the well-known neighborhood 'Hollywood Hills', which continues to be destroyed by fires, one of which is estimated to be the worst in the history of the city. Among the many houses that have been completely burned down are also the residences of many well-known Hollywood stars.

Over 180,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

California is going through what is known as mountain fire season. This season, however, started earlier and will end later as a result of rising temperatures and drought due to environmental changes./ Voa