Biden says federal gov’t to cover 100% of cost of California wildfires for 180 days

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – US President Joe Biden said Thursday that the federal government will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days for the response to the California wildfires.

"Due to the magnitude of the disaster, I was talking with the governor. He requested if I could increase the federal funding that was authorized under this legislation from 75% to 90%.

"Today, I'm announcing that the federal government will cover 100% of the cost for 180 days," Biden said.

He added that it is going to pay for things like debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, first responders, salaries and all necessary measures to protect life and property.

Biden's remarks came as he convened senior White House and administration officials for a briefing on the full federal response he has directed to the wildfires across Los Angeles.

He said three major fires are still burning.

The president said he is also surging all federal resources possible to Southern California, including over 30 firefighting helicopters and planes.

"We've secured additional firefighters and firefighting aircraft from our ally in Canada as well," he said.