Amid the smoldering backdrop of the Palisades Wildfire, President Biden addressed the ravages of the blaze and announced he is poised to sign a major disaster declaration, unlocking the full breadth of federal aid for Southern California. This move comes in response to the governor's request for federal intervention, necessary to combat the wildfire that has laid waste to over a thousand structures and forced the evacuation of more than a hundred thousand residents. "Well, the governor asked for a declaration that provides for everything the federal government can do, and I’m prepared to sign it today," President Biden stated, according to a briefing released by The White House.
In the effort to quickly contain and eventually extinguish the wildfire, the Department of Defense has been directed to rapidly deploy additional firefighting resources. These include personnel, helicopter bucket drops, and Modular Air Fire Fighting Systems from both California and Nevada National Guards. Struggling to stay ahead of the flames that have claimed lives and disrupted countless more, the federal machinery has been marshaled to aid a state in distress. "We’re prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes to contain these fires and to help reconstruct and make sure we get back to normal," the President assured during his briefing, as per The White House.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed profound gratitude for the prompt federal response, recognizing both the approval of the disaster declaration and the cooperation received from the White House since the fire escalated. In a sentiment echoing across the charred valleys and evacuated homes, Newsom noted, "It’s impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we received from the White House and this administration," as cited by The White House.
